The William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever Art Writer in Residence programme, a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering arts journalism and enriching the archival documentation of the museum’s extensive collection.

Khumo Kimati Mcunu

The recipients of this prestigious residency are Karabo Tshenyego and Khumo Mcunu, both graduands of Creative Writing from the Sol Plaatje University. As part of this transformative experience, the two writers will spend a dedicated month at WHAG, immersing themselves in the museum’s diverse and extensive collection.

The Art Writer in Residence programme is a testament to WHAG’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the arts, providing a platform for emerging talents to contribute to the discourse around visual culture. Karabo Tshenyego and Khumo Mcunu’s backgrounds in creative writing bring a fresh perspective to the traditional world of art curation and interpretation.

Karabo Tshenyego

Throughout their residency, Tshenyego and Mcunu will engage with WHAG’s rich and varied collection, gaining insights into the historical and cultural context of the artworks. Under the mentorship of WHAG’s Chief Curator, Chepape Makgato, the resident art writers will not only produce insightful written pieces about selected artworks, but will also have the unique opportunity to co-curate an exhibition based on their experiences and interpretations.

“We are excited to welcome Karabo Tshenyego and Khumo Mcunu to the William Humphreys Art Gallery for our inaugural Art Writer in Residence program,” said Chepape Makgato. “This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering creativity, diversity, and the exploration of new perspectives within the arts. We believe that their unique voices will contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of our collection.”

The residency will conclude with an exhibition curated by Tshenyego and Mcunu, under the mentorship of Makgato, showcasing the culmination of their month-long exploration and engagement with WHAG’s collection. The exhibition promises to offer a dynamic and multifaceted view of the artworks they have written about, providing visitors with a fresh and insightful perspective on the cultural and artistic significance of the pieces.

The William Humphreys Art Gallery invites the public to join us in celebrating this exciting initiative, which not only supports emerging talents in arts journalism but also contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the arts.