With seasoned researcher Russell Hlongwane at its helm, the KZNSA Gallery is in good hands

Russell Hlongwane’s artistic and cultural practice straddles film, research and consultancy.

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

The KZNSA Gallery, an institution that has existed for more than a century, seems to be in good hands, in its newly appointed director Russell Hlongwane. One of the most underrated experts, hugely experienced, his appointment should boost the morale of the creative sector in the province. Aculturally and artistic learned player in the sector in the country, Hlongwane replaces Shaw, who served for 12 years at the institution as its director.

A conscientious researcher, prolific cultural practitioner and creative industry business consultant, the quietly spoken culture expert has extensive experience in the areas of artistic and cultural research, with a sharp mind that feels the pulse of the creative sector in the country, I personally met Hlongwane at Goethe Institut in 2019, where I was one of 10 creatives selected for a six month creative industry business residency. He was there to lead a Master Class in the business of arts. His presentation was sharp, articulate and quite engaging.

A humble industry leader whose knowledge in the sector, until now, has clearly been under utilised by a sector full of egos, but unfortunately, sometimes short of real knowledge when it comes to create businesses out of the creative and cultural industries, the cultural expert is from the old school of doing things. In his area of practice, research is king, instead of thumb sucking “facts.” In his e, he was as calm as he was humble. But one thing at the end of it all, became clear –he is knowledgeable when it comes to the South African creative and cultural sector, a lot of his knowledge gained from research and real practice. He does not suffer fools easily.

This came out clearly during his research based Master Class presentation that he presented to the Goethe Hubcohort of 2019. Unfortunately a number of the participating creatives, with the exception of a few, who were quick to migrate their businesses to online, never got to implement the ideas adequately after completion. This was due to the outbreak of Covid-19 Pandemic in early 2020. Then, the country was plunged into a crisis of disease and the authorities responded by declaring a shut-down of an economic activity, with the exception of those in essential services.

But now luckily, with his appointment to the top job at KZN Gallery, this is indeed good news for creatives in the country in general and those based in KwaZulu-Natal in particular. The gallery with the softly spoken researcher at its helm, is indeed, in good hands.

Hlongwane has a wealth of experience as a cultural producer based in Durban, South Africa. His work is located at the intersection of Heritage/ Modernity and Culture/ Tradition as it applies to black life in South Africa, the African continent and the diaspora. His said practice includes cultural research, creative producing, design, curatorship and writing. He is part of a number of collectives, working groups and programmes spread across the SADC region, the continent and internationally.

Speaking on his vision for the KZNSA, Hlongwane said:

“My priority is to re-establish an institutional practice grounded in rigorous exhibitions and a considered public programme. I also intend to revitalise the shop and café as destination spaces in their own right. Central to this is ongoing dialogue with partners, funders, staff, membership, and the broader artistic community. I am aware of the demands involved in sustaining work of this kind. It requires sustained collective effort between the KZNSA Gallery and its constituents, but I believe it is achievable. Last but not least, I wish to acknowledge and express my gratitude to all those whose commitment and labour have sustained this organisation and brought it to its current point.”

The KZNSA Gallery extends its deepest appreciation to Angela Shaw for her twelve years of dedicated leadership, and warmly welcomes Russel Hlongwane as he embarks on this new chapter with the organisation. Hlongwane will officially start at the KZNSA in May 2026,” the gallery stated in a media statement.

Portrait credit: Liswa Ndlovu