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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
The first ever public unveiling of the 3m 'Footballer' bronze sculpture by renowned South African artist Keith Calder entitled 'Penalty' takes place this week. The work captures and embodies the spirit of the 2010 World Cup and forms part of the 2010 African Fine Art Collection, which has been recognised as an Official Licensed Product of the tournament. Project 2010 spoke to Graham Britz, owner of the 2010 Fine Art collection.  What's so special about this particular piece? It stands 3,5m high and weighs in excess of 500 kg's. It is currently planned to become a resident feature at the Nelson Mandela Square for the duration of the tournament and will be a definite draw card for all art lovers, football fans and anyone passionate about Africa's first-ever hosting of the FIFA World Cup. And what's it worth? R1.8 million Tell us more about the collection. We have 22 African artists - all contemporary - as well as 160 international artists. What's the aim of the collection? The focus is to cross racial and cultural divides. Art is the perfect vehicle to achieve this goal. These artworks aim to promote the wealth of contemporary art talent both in South Africa and from across the continent and will also do much to honor our South African journey. The collection was conceptualised to harness the talents of both international and South African artists, and use their creativity to celebrate one of South Africa's most momentous accomplishments as the official hosts of the World Cup. How has the collection been received? Without an aggressive marketing campaign, we have had R7.5 million worth of trade. We will now be embarking on a campaign to highlight these works with exhibition space at Sandton City as well as at store there. And we will have regular functions at our flagship store at Broadacres - also in Johannesburg. We have also secured exhibition space in Durban and Cape Town. more interviews... |
