This came to the fore during a recent workshop held at the Thapong Visual Arts Centre. The workshop was organised by First National Bank Botswana Foundation (Riverwalk branch) through its Project-Kgodiso initiative to upskill artists’ business. While the workshop was an eye opener, it also shed light on the plight of visual artists in the country.
Fine artist and writer, Modirwa Kekwaletswe, who presented on The Brand as an Artist warned artists that their artwork represents their brands, as such they should create reputable brands in order to get return business. Kekwaletswe explained that when artists produce something great, the audience will be moved to accept it and likely to buy the product. He said in reinforcing one’s artistic reputation, artists are able to penetrate international markets and to ensure brand longevity on the market. “Often times, artists face a difficult choice of creating art to please themselves and creating art primarily for an existing market. But throughout this, artists should remember that your art is your brand, there is no separation. You are the brand. Be authentic and create the brand around yourself,” he advised.
