On 7 May 2025, Artist Proof Studio hosted an evening filled with energy, warmth, and intention as we re-launched our Patron Programme. The event brought together friends, partners, patrons, and artists who share a belief in the transformative power of arts education. 
Refilwe Nkomo, APS board member, opened the evening with grace and conviction, setting the tone for the night and reminding us why we had gathered. Her words created a sense of shared purpose and momentum that carried through the evening. APS Managing Director, Nathi Simelane, spoke about the heart of our mission, our education programme, and its role in empowering artists and building futures.
Ashen Jugoo, APS board member, also shared how businesses can meaningfully support the education programme through creative collaborations. He spoke about the ongoing partnership with his organisation Fasken, which includes hosting pop-up exhibitions at their corporate offices, highlighting the role of the private sector in sustaining and showcasing emerging talent.
A highlight of the evening was a panel exchange facilitated by APS board member Hlubi Shezi. It featured APS alumni Lebohang Motaung and Sizwe Khoza, and patrons Clive Viveiros (Pinpoint One) and Gail Bosch (ITOO Artinsure). Through their conversation, they shared personal experiences and insights that underscored the importance of supporting young artists in their creative and professional journeys.
Another deeply moving moment came from Francesco Mariano(Mastro), who spoke about his late father Gianni Mariano’s long-standing support of APS. Gianni served on the board for over two decades and was a true mentor and champion of our work. Just over a year ago, Gianni passed away. At the time, he was the chairman of the APS board, and it had always been his dream to organise a collaboration between APS and his family village of Fallo in Italy, the place where he now rests. His legacy lives on through the Gianni Mariano Scholarship and the mural project in Fallo, which brought together APS graduates to honour his vision through art.
In honour of his memory, the Gianni Mariano Scholarship was awarded to APS graduates Tsako Hobyani and Khumo Ramaila, with certificates presented by APS Education Manager, Heidi Mielke. Each recipient will receive seed funding for their business ventures, as well as mentorship from Francesco and Sune Botha. You can learn more about Gianni’s legacy and the mural project in Fallo by visiting our blog post on the initiative here.
Kim Berman, founder of Artist Proof Studio, brought the evening to a close with a heartfelt reflection on APS's journey from its early beginnings to its impact today. She spoke of the studio's continued commitment to inclusive arts education and its vision for the future, including the dream of securing a permanent home for APS as the organisation approaches its 35th anniversary in 2026.
Guests enjoyed drinks and delicious food generously catered by our partners at Mastro, adding warmth and flavour to an already memorable evening. The evening also gave guests a chance to experience student-led printmaking demonstrations, new works from the Pro-Shop by David Tsoka and Bokang Mankoe, and a preview of selected pieces that will be shown at RMB Latitudes Art Fair later this month(buy tickets)
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire APS team for their dedication and behind-the-scenes work that made this evening possible, and to those who supported the evening by pledging or purchasing artworks. Your generosity and commitment make a real difference in the lives of our students and in sustaining the work we do.
If you couldn’t attend or haven’t yet pledged your support, there’s still time to get involved. You can join our Patron Programme or contribute to the Gianni Mariano Scholarship Fund and be part of a growing community of supporters.
Watch our latest video capturing the journey of APS students and the impact of our education programme here.
