UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG

Help build the Wits Art Museum

One of the largest collections of African art is tragically hidden in carefully controlled storerooms at Wits University - all because there is no museum. This collection of 9 000 works of art has been built up over seven decades and spans the African continent and centuries of our history. A new home for this collection, the Wits Art Museum, will be built as part of an exciting capital campaign.

Visual art can be a powerful vehicle for the development of mutual understanding and respect and to celebrate our heritage. Art also develops emotion, critical thought and appreciation of beauty - all important for a healthy society. WAM is an environment for creative growth through the dynamic showcasing, interpretation and curating of original artworks.

Building work began on 19 April 2010 to renovate an existing Wits structure to create an accessible, state-of-the art museum at the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Jorissen Street in Br mfontein "where the university shakes hands with the city".

Wits Art Museum will:

host a series of dynamic interactive curated displays that will engage different audiences in an exciting dialogue with artworks and artmaking.
offer input into development of school syllabi
support teaching through development of focussed materials
provide programmes for school learners through interacting with real art
enable access to original artworks for core teaching activities and public interface
contribute to urban renewal of Johannesburg
enable the public and tourists to experience the joy of real African art for all.

Championed by Wits curators Julia Charlton and Fiona Rankin-Smith, the Wits Art Museum Project, has generated enough support to begin renovations in April 2010. However, more support is needed to complete the refurbishments in order to open in 2011.

Donate now

To make a safe on online donation please click here

All support is appreciated and acknowledged publically unless asked to remain anonymous. All donors receive an 18a tax certificate.

List of donors
Anonymous donor
Anonymous bequest
John Bird
Joan Campkin
Warren & Angela Chapman
Julia Charlton
Prof RW Charlton
Prof & Mrs DT Cole
Linda Givon
Stephen Goldberg
William Kentridge
Rick & Caroline Menell
Martha Molete
The CJ Petrow Foundation
Gillian van Niekerk
Wits Fund Inc.

Large contributions from individual or corporate donors may involve their names displayed or a section of the museum named in their honour. Click here for the patronage proposal.

To leave a legacy gift or bequest to WAM, email Cindy.Petersen@wits.ac.za or phone Cindy Petersen on 011 717 9703