By Selloane Ntshonyane
- The City has created three secure temporary sites to protect artworks while the Johannesburg Art Gallery undergoes long-overdue repairs.
- French government could join the restoration efforts, with President Emmanuel Macron showing interest in supporting the project.
The Johannesburg Art Gallery is finally getting a major facelift.
The City of Johannesburg has confirmed that work will now move ahead on restoring the historic gallery after getting key approvals and finishing necessary studies.
The Provincial Heritage Resources Authority of Gauteng has approved the structural repairs. The City has also completed traffic, stormwater and safety assessments — clearing the way for restoration to begin.
To keep the artwork safe during construction, the City has set up three temporary spaces. Items will be moved to Museum Africa, the Johannesburg City Library and the Brixton Multipurpose Centre. These facilities meet the national standards for security and environmental conditions.
The paper collection, including rare books and journals, will be kept at the City Library.
Mayor Dada Morero said on Wednesday, 19 November, that the City has also partnered with Standard Bank to exhibit 145 artworks that recently returned from South Korea. The artworks will be on display during the G20 Summit as part of a campaign to show off Joburg’s culture to the world.
“We are doing everything possible to keep the gallery alive during the restoration,” said Morero.
The City is planning exhibitions, education programmes and public events around the city while the gallery is under construction.
Morero also revealed that he met with the French Ambassador. He said the French government, under President Emmanuel Macron, is interested in attending the upcoming exhibition and helping with the restoration project.
Oversight of the gallery has also been tightened. A new Art Gallery Committee made up of government and civil society is now fully active.
The City is also reviewing its partnership with the Anglo-American Johannesburg Centenary Trust. A major seminar is being planned for next year to bring together artists, academics and heritage experts.
Pictured above: Johannesburg Art Gallery building.
Image source: City of Johannesburg
