Artist Proof Studio was established in 1991 by Kim Berman and Nhlanhla Xaba as a printmaking center that embodied the spirit of a democratic South Africa.
It emerged as a response to the need for unity and inclusivity, using printmaking as a powerful medium for expression and social change. Today, aps has grown into one of South Africa’s most vibrant printmaking studio, nurturing up to 60 students annually and providing collaborative opportunities for numerous artists.
Meet the APS Team
About APS
Vision and Mission
At Artist Proof Studio, our mission is to cultivate talented individuals with a shared set of values, grounded in the concept of Ubuntu, and empower them to achieve artistic excellence. Through printmaking and outreach programs, we aim to build capacity, promote self-actualization, and make a positive impact on society. Our vision is to foster a sense of shared humanity, where passionate individuals can strive for artistic excellence and achieve self sustainability.
Core values: I SEE U
Innovation: we embrace innovation as a fundamental element of our growth and identity. Self-awareness: we encourage personal growth and diversity among our staff, artists, professionals, and students through self-awareness. Engagement: we foster engagement among our students, professional artists, staff, and the wider community, bridging the gap between our studio work and the society we serve. Excellence: by promoting "excellence through possibility," we empower artists to push the boundaries of printmaking and find inspiration through collaboration Ubuntu: our commitment to ubuntu creates a safe and supportive space for self-expression, built on respect, empathy, and community well-being.
Innovation: we embrace innovation as a fundamental element of our growth and identity.
Self-awareness: we encourage personal growth and diversity among our staff, artists, professionals, and students through self-awareness.
Engagement: we foster engagement among our students, professional artists, staff, and the wider community, bridging the gap between our studio work and the society we serve.
Excellence: by promoting "excellence through possibility," we empower artists to push the boundaries of printmaking and find inspiration through collaboration.
Ubuntu: our commitment to ubuntu creates a safe and supportive space for self-expression, built on respect, empathy, and community well-being.
Background
Artist Proof Studio (APS) was founded by Kim Berman and the late Nhlanhla Xaba to reflect the spirit of a healthy democracy and the non-racial ideals expressed in the new constitution. In 2021 the organisation celebrated its 30th year of existence. APS is registered as a PBO (Public Benefit Organisation) since 2005, and a Section21 (NGO) since1993/4.
Motivated by a need to become more self-sustainable and ensure growth despite a rapid decline in funding opportunities (particularly international funding) since2012, APS invested energy into the development of new audiences, professional production of prints and increased sales opportunities. In 2015 APS became VAT registered and has since managed to balance Education, Training and Development with innovative income generation opportunities and strategies.
For over 30 years, APS has remained committed to the promotion of human rights, equality and re-dress. By providing quality arts education to talented and passionate art students and artists who (due to economic and educational inequality), would otherwise not have access to tertiary training. APS has graduated over 500 young artists over the past two and a half decades who have developed sufficient skills to be able to support themselves and their families and contribute actively to the creative industries and economy.
APS has established itself as both a local and internationally recognized centre of printmaking excellence with many of our alumni reaching international status and our rising stars including, Bambo Sibiya, Mongezi Ncaphayi, Lebohang Motaung Lindo Zwane and many others being a credit to our educational.