02 Feb 2025

Recognising the gap in access to international markets for locally produced art, Thapong Visual Arts Centre (TVAC) in collaboration with the FNBB Foundation launched an online marketing platform, Botswana Art Online (BAO).

Independent curator, Renee Eisen-Khonat emphasised the importance of maintaining high-quality standards in the creation of artwork noting that showcasing Botswana’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes through art would help artists gain traction in the global market and foster a more robust artistic ecosystem.

“It is crucial for local artists to seize opportunities arising from global market access. To compete internationally, the quality of your work must meet global standards. Achieving high quality work requires patience, discipline, and commitment. By continuously upskilling, artists can refine their artistic voice and create unique works that stand out. Be meticulous in your selection of materials, poor quality materials diminish the longevity of your work, while high-quality materials enhance both its structural integrity and potential for future innovation,” said Eisen-Khonat.

She also emphasised that while inferior material undermined the value and price of a piece, high-quality material preserve the integrity of the artwork and ensured its long-term relevance.

The website’s launch was announced by Lucada managing director, Thuso Oitsile who explained that all submitted artworks would undergo a vetting process, to determine their value and pricing before being uploaded to the platform.

He also highlighted the financial model where artists would receive 70 per cent of the sale proceeds while the website administrators retained 30 per cent. Oitsile further noted that prices for premium artworks could range from US$20 to US$2 million, offering significant potential for economic development.

Copyright Society of Botswana (CosBots) head of operations, Ditiro Chaa, also stressed the importance of intellectual property protection for artists.

 “I encourage all artists to register with CosBots. This will ensure artists retain the rights to their works and can receive royalties for their creations,” he said.Botswana Art Online is part of an initiative by the FNBB Foundation to address issues such as unemployment and financial instability. FNBB Foundation programme manager, Chebukani Nkobodo explained that the platform was designed to tackle persistent employment challenges, especially for youth and individuals living with disabilities.

“Since its establishment in 2001, the FNBB Foundation has been generating funds for the development of sports, arts, culture, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment. This collaboration between the foundation and TVAC aims to discover and nurture artistic talent for the enrichment of communities and livelihoods. There is a pressing need to increase the visibility of local artists on the international arts scene, especially given their concerns about limited market access,” said Nkobodo.

She also underscored the importance of producing high-quality work that could compete with that of international artists, to elevate Botswana’s art scene globally. ENDS