Arts & Culture Trust Bursary: Selection Ceremony and Printmaking Programme

On 10^th October the Arts and Culture Trust hosted a warm ceremony to announce the recipient of the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) bursary worth R300 000. As part of the selection process, the winning applicant spent two intensive days at Artist Proof Studio reworking the pieces they submitted for the bursary translating their original ideas into finished prints using traditional and contemporary printmaking methods.

As part of the final evaluation process, shortlisted applicants spent two intensive days at Artist Proof Studio, where they recreated the artworks submitted for the bursary using traditional printmaking techniques such as linocut, screen printing and lithography. This practical component allowed ACT to assess not only their artistic vision, but their adaptability, craftsmanship and willingness to engage with new processes.

The program was a hands-on, mentorship-led experience: over 48 hours the artist remade their work through carved linos, screenprinting and lithography, deepening technical skills while refining their artistic voice. Senior Artist Proof Studio graduates Tony Maphosa, Bekithemba Mdluli, Misa  Boshoma, Tsako Hobyani  and Khumo Ramaila  guided the process, sharing practical techniques, studio discipline and the small, essential lessons that only come from working shoulder-to-shoulder in a print studio.

This short, immersive programme does more than produce a set of prints. It embodies two core values shared by ACT and APS: investing in learning (so artists can access formal study with confidence) and building community through mentorship (so skills and knowledge are passed on, not held back). For the winner, the bursary now opens the next chapter funding study at an institute of their choice but the real reward is the combination of technical growth, critique, and the supportive network formed during those two days.

We congratulate the winner and thank ACT for their continued investment in South African artists — and our alumni mentors for giving their time, skill and care to shape the next generation.

Absa L’Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair: Post-Event Summary — 11 October 2025 | Nirox Sculpture Park

The Absa L’Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair returned for its second year on Saturday, 11 October 2025, bringing to life a vibrant celebration of African art, culture, and creative expression. Hosted at the picturesque Nirox Sculpture Park, the fair welcomed visitors to a full day of inspiring exhibitions, live performances, and the announcement of the four winners of the 39th Absa L’Atelier.

Artist Proof Studio’s Curated Contribution

Artist Proof Studio (APS) played a significant role in the day’s success. Under the curatorship of Education Manager, Heidi Mielke, APS presented an expansive exhibition of over 150 artworks, elegantly displayed across seven snow-tipped marquees.

Celebrating Growth, Talent & Collaboration

The 2025 Fair celebrated not only artistic excellence, but also the continued evolution of the African creative landscape. The event reaffirmed Absa’s long-standing commitment to nurturing South Africa’s emerging talent and strengthening opportunities for creative growth, collaboration, and cultural expression.

Entrepreneurship & Creative Innovation

A highlight of APS’s participation was the launch of its Limited-Edition Product Line, comprising exclusive tote bags and ceramic cups featuring original student artworks. This debut was complemented by Caylon Grotewold’s vibrant multicoloured jacket series, a standout display from his final-year body of work. Together, these offerings demonstrated APS’s growing emphasis on creative entrepreneurship and design innovation.

Through this long-term collaboration, Absa and APS are equipping young artists many from underserved communities with the skills, confidence, and creative agency needed to build sustainable careers and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s cultural economy.

Class of 2025: Graduation & Awards Ceremony/ Exhibition: Programme Highlights for 29 November

Artist Proof Studio (APS) proudly hosted its Graduation and Awards Ceremony on 29 November, a day dedicated to recognising the talent, commitment, and growth of its student community. The event brought together staff, families, partners, and supporters for a meaningful celebration of artistic accomplishment, followed by the opening of the annual 3rd Year Exhibition.

The ceremony began as guests arrived and were welcomed and seated by APS staff. Shortly after, students and teachers arrived in their first ever Graduation regalia that they designed themselves. To begin the morning’s formal proceedings, our head of Education Heidi Meilke officially opened the ceremony and introduced our executive director Kim Berman, who delivered an inspiring address setting the tone for a day rooted in pride, reflection, and celebration.

Awards Ceremony: Recognising Excellence and Leadership

Briefly after graduation the conferral of certificates took place, recognising the achievements of students across multiple programmes. Each group was honoured for their perseverance and artistic development throughout the year.

The ceremony continued with a series of distinguished awards that acknowledged exceptional talent, academic achievement, and the spirit of Ubuntu within the APS community. The award presentations included:

·        Ricci Lyons Ubuntu Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Years

·        Kim Ubuntu Trophy

·        Jillian Carman Award for top theory achievement

·        The Jack Ginsberg Centre for Book Arts Awards

These awards celebrated students who have demonstrated excellence in both technical skill and personal character.

A Meaningful Celebration of Art, Community, and Growth

The 2025 Graduation & Awards Ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of the APS community, its students, mentors, facilitators, and supporters. The day acknowledged not only academic and artistic achievement, but also the values of collaboration, resilience, and creative courage that define Artist Proof Studio.

APS extends gratitude to all who attended, supported, and contributed to making the event a memorable success.

The exhibition offered a compelling exploration of student perspectives, technical approaches, and conceptual experimentation, marking an important milestone in the artists’ educational journey.

The morning’s formalities were brought to a close by our COO Nathi Simelane, who concluded the ceremony by giving vote of thanks message to the students that worked hard to the entire year, the teachers and staff of APS and the parents, guardians and friends of APS who attended the ceremony and continue supporting APS.

Where Law Meets Art: Twenty Years of Support, Creativity, and Shared Purpose

Fasken’s long-standing collaboration with Artist Proof Studio is a testament to their unwavering belief in the power of art to transform lives. For more than 20 years, Fasken has walked alongside APS in nurturing young talent, expanding access to creative education, and creating meaningful opportunities for emerging South African artists.

 

Their continued support reflects a shared commitment to social impact, empowerment, and the role of the arts in strengthening communities. Together, we celebrate a partnership grounded in creativity, opportunity, and optimism for the next generation.

With over 130 years of established presence in Africa, Fasken brings deep-rooted experience across sectors such as mining, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, technology, and finance. Their Johannesburg office, tracing its origins back to 1879, stands as a cornerstone of legal expertise on the continent.

Artist Proof Studio is deeply grateful for this long-standing relationship. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fasken’s leadership for consistently opening their doors to APS, championing our mission, and sharing our work with their diverse and enthusiastic clientele. Their guests’ response to our artwork was inspiring and affirming.

The event featured meaningful remarks from [Name] of Fasken, APS Executive Director Prof. Kim Berman, and artist Raymond Vuyani, APS’s first deaf student. Their reflections highlighted the impact of partnership, resilience, and the transformative power of creative education.

We look forward to many more years of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose.

PATRON EVENT: Partnerships & Possibilities – An Evening with William Kentridge, Patrons, and Friends of APS

On 13 November 2025, Artist Proof Studio hosted our annual Patron Event, Partnerships and Possibilities—a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the profound social impact of the visual arts.

We were deeply honoured to welcome William Kentridge as our guest speaker. His presence elevated the evening, which brought together patrons, collectors, partners, and friends who all share a belief in the transformative power of art.

The APS team worked with immense dedication to bring this event to life, and it was incredibly rewarding to see our efforts culminate in such a memorable, joy-filled night. We hope the conversations, artwork, and William Kentridge’s reflections resonated with our guests as deeply as they did with us.

A Heartfelt Thank You To:

• APS Board of Directors
• William Kentridge, his family, and friends
• Members of the Kentridge Studio Team
• Long-time partners from Fasken, RMB, iTOO ArtInsure, Aspire, and the NAC
• Colleagues from UJ who have collaborated with APS for more than three decades
• Guests from the Italian Embassy
• Arts & Culture Trust – CEO and Trustees
• MTN Group
• Spier Art Trust
• Mastrantonio, for their exceptional partnership and catering
• Our loyal and new Patrons and Partners, along with their invited guests
• APS students, alumni, teachers, colleagues, family, and friends

This year’s event also celebrated the remarkable success of In Defence of Optimism, a print edition that raised nearly R900,000 in bursaries for APS students in 2025. Although the edition has officially sold out, its impact—and the spirit of generosity behind it—continues to inspire our community.

If you value art, impact, and meaningful connection, Partnerships and Possibilities is an event not to be missed in 2026. We look forward to welcoming you again next year for another unforgettable evening.

Holiday Message from Artist Proof Studio

As we come to the end of another meaningful and inspiring year, Artist Proof Studio extends heartfelt gratitude to all our clients, partners, and supporters. Your continued belief in our mission enables us to nurture young artists, strengthen our community, and carry forward the rich legacy of printmaking in South Africa.

Please note that APS will close for the holiday break on 12 December 2025 and will reopen on 12 January 2026. We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, joyful festive season and a restorative start to the new year.

2026 is a milestone year for APS. In January, we officially begin celebrating 35 years of printmaking excellence through education, publishing and social impact. Since our founding in 1991, APS has grown into a vibrant community of artists, educators, and changemakers—and we look forward to honouring this remarkable journey with you throughout the year.

We invite you to stay connected and celebrate with us as we reflect on our history, highlight our alumni stories, and look ahead to the future of APS.

Save the Date for the first of many exciting announcements in our APS35 celebrations.

 

Warm wishes,

The Artist Proof Studio Team