DALRO launches exhibition space and new art prize in collaboration with Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

On Saturday, March 9, 2024,  chatting to visual artist Olwethu de Vos at a group exhibition that marked two important things on the contemporary art scene in the country: a collaboration between the now increasingly influential Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize for emerging artists, named after equally influential painter Blessing Ngobeni and Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation(DALRO) and the launch of a brand new art award by DALRO called DALRO Merit Art Award, I realized how vulnerable artists could be.

I had asked de Vos about her apparent recent invisibility on the contemporary art scene. “I am emerging from rehab,” she said. I hesitated and was not sure whether to ask what kind of rehab it was, but was relieved when she continued. “I was bitten by a poisonous spite, twice on two different parts of my body, and unfortunately my right hand was affected badly to the extent that I could not move my fingers and therefore could not draw or paint.” I was relived not because she was bitten by a spider. But because the awkward situation that both of us felt then disappeared. I mean, you do not want to be in a position whereby you have to ask people sense sensitive questions as the affliction that led them to rehab, unless they choose to share with you.

However that short  conversation immediately raised the issue of artists and their art practice, and how a seemingly mundane thing like being bitten by an insect can suddenly stop someone’s art practice and the ability to earn a living. Bringing their lives in fact into a stop and triggering deep reflection about their lives and career in the process.. Fortunately de Vos is healing and can again draw and paint. But the point is, it could have be worse, making artists extremely vulnerable to the vagaries of professional life.

This incident, perhaps reinforces the point that artists need more protection, especially getting insured, particularly the tools of their trade, such as their hands, as they rely on their hands to practice and earn an income for their families.

It is therefore important and encouraging that those that have the means, such as DALRO and the Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize, are putting resources into the development of especially young and emerging artists through these awards. And the collaboration between the two entities can only go a long way in supporting young artists, particularly those from formerly disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them the support that they need to produce work as they navigate the often challenging path of creating art for artists at the formative stage of their careers.

“This new award will see the winning artist have a nine month long residency here at DALRO, supported through the supply of materials as well as earning a stipend while they work,” said Lazzy Serobe the Managing Director of DALRO, which is now based in Bramely, north of Johannesburg, after relocating from the Southern African Music Rights Organisation, (SAMRO) after a management buy-out lead by Serobe, that was concluded in recent years. SAMRO is based in Braamfontein.

De Vos, herself a co-founder of the Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize, was part of the artists whose works are on exhibit at this exhibition, and are available for purchase. It is an exhibition that showcases an impressive selection of works by mainly emerging artists, and is well curated by curator Palesa Suthane.

The event on Sunday also marked the launch of a new space, a gallery and a library, an apt development for an organization which is involved in managing these two areas of the arts.

DALRO’s new visual art space and group exhibition: Motions and Motives

In Essence DALRO, is a leader in the collective management organisations (CMOs) community since 1967, and has consistently demonstrated its commitment to reliability and expansive networks. As a trusted intermediary, DALRO facilitates the authorised reproduction of literary works, artistic creations, and published editions, ensuring meticulous licensing for copyright users, fee collection, and fair remuneration for copyright holders in the creative community.

DALRO’s comprehensive approach to copyright management covers three critical areas, literary works, artistic works, and published editions. This approach allows DALRO to adeptly manage the rights associated with both the creative expression of ideas and the typographical arrangement found in books, reinforcing its position as a key protector and promoter of creators’ and publishers’ rights.

Therefore the launch on Sunday, March, 9, 2024, of the Visual Art Space at its Johannesburg offices, clearly marked the inception of a prestigious collaboration. This inaugural exhibition, Motions and Motives, will kick-start a series of exhibitions and events that will not only display artworks by established and mid-career South African visual artists but also raise awareness around the business of art for both the artists and the public. This initiative celebrates the deep-rooted partnership between DALRO and the dynamic visual arts community, those who attended the launch, including some of the participating artists, art collectors and the media were told.

“Motions and Motives, the exhibition’s centrepiece, represents a determined effort to establish an actionable mandate. DALRO aims to bridge a crucial gap in copyright enforcement within the visual arts sector, forging a meaningful connection with creators. The exhibition highlights DALRO’s commitment to protecting artists’ works from infringements, collecting royalties and ensuring fair remuneration when artists’ works are used by third parties. In collaboration with the Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize (BNAP) Foundation, founded by visual artist Blessing Ngobeni eight years ago aims at nurturing emerging artists through the establishment of residency awards.

“DALRO invites both established and mid-career visual artists to protect their creations under copyright laws and inspires emerging talents to do the same. Artists are encouraged not only to align with DALRO’s motives but also to propose Motions that can positively influence their business operations within copyright laws. This includes considerations for royalties from various uses of their artworks, such as in catalogues, book covers, billboards, or adaptations by other visual artists. The exhibition provides a safe and open platform for artists to express concerns about career longevity, legacy, and their role in shaping the legal landscape that impacts their artistic journeys. The collaboration between BNAP Foundation and DALRO signifies DALRO’s initial steps in strengthening its ties with the visual arts community and its commitment to safeguarding all artworks under copyright laws,” DALRO says in its media statement release after the launch of the exhibition.

Serobe also revealed that the top 10 artists will for the DALRO Art Merit Award will be exhibited at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, exposing their art to a potentially lucrative art market, and this is quite important as often artists struggle when it comes to market access.

The Motions and Motives group art exhibition is open to the public from 10 March and will run till 9 April 2024. A public walkabout is scheduled for 16 March from 11:00 to 13:00.