Patience Bambalele

Patience Bambalele

At long last Kagiso, a township in Krugersdorp on West Rand, has a gallery, thanks to the determination of Kgosi Khumalo.

After Khumalo faced difficulties trying to make his dream a reality, The Backyard Art Gallery has finally been launched.

The gallery was officially opened on Sunday with an exhibition that featured the works of local artists. Khumalo, an artist himself, was relieved that the gallery is operational.

"After a long struggle I am happy that my dream has finally come true. It has been a long road for me. At first my idea of opening a gallery in the township was not taken seriously.

"Today all can see that I was serious."

Many thought Khumalo was crazy when he left his job not knowing how he would support himself.

He said now that the gallery is open there is a lot of interest among artists who are queuing up for space.

"This is a positive response especially from black artists. Backyard Art Gallery seeks to develop the youth who are interested in showcasing their talent in any form of art."

He said his main challenge now is to get corporate sponsors to invest in the gallery.

Khumalo said he would not have been successful if institutions such as Business Arts South Africa (Basa) and the Gauteng arts and culture department had not helped him financially.

Nicola Danby, of Basa, said: "It has been our aim to promote art and this is the start of big things to come."