Boardbank SA is an initiative of Empowerdex and Business and Arts South Africa. It offers young skilled black professionals an opportunity to engage with an arts organisation in a real and effective way, by providing the opportunity to voluntarily sit on its Board.
Over the past two Boardbank SA events the twofold value of the initiative has been brought to life: through connecting arts organisations with skilled black professionals the arts sector becomes more sustainable by improving corporate governance, while business professionals have the chance to expand their Social Investment (SI) responsibility within the arts sector. The aim of Boardbank SA is to see these relationships growing from “seed to strength to sustainability.”
“As the premier economic empowerment rating agency, we believe in growing black business participation in all sectors. The Boardbank allows young black professionals to hone their skills in corporate governance and directorship, whilst supporting the arts in an equitable partnership,” comments Mr Chia Chao Wu, Managing Director of the economic empowerment rating agency, Empowerdex.
The keynote address at this event - dubbed the “speed-date of black arts and business” - is Liza Essers, the owner of the Goodman Gallery.
Essers is excited to be part of the Boardbank SA event and her address will centre around South African Contemporary art and investing in contemporary art. “I am dedicated to circulating knowledge by bringing institutions, corporate players, artists and audiences closer together,” Essers comments.
Since buying the Goodman Gallery in June 2008, Essers has worked closely with artists, particularly in helping secure the finance that has ensured the success of their creative projects.
Essers began her career in commerce and finance, as a management consultant in strategy and private equity. She went on to found an e-commerce company called eCompany with the late Sheldon Cohen. After studying art in Florence, Essers shifted careers in 2003 to become an independent art advisor and curator specialising in the conceptualisation, development and production of visual art and film projects, both locally and internationally. She advises several private and corporate art collectors in South Africa and abroad.
Essers' recent large-scale public art projects include the Anglo American sculpture initiative (2003, ongoing), the David project sponsored by Nedbank and The Legacy group (2005) and, more recently, the NIROX International Artist's Residency Programme. Essers has also curated many group exhibitions and her passion for film has seen Essers co-executive produce Tsotsi (2005) and initiate a documentary series on contemporary South African art.
In order to participate in this exciting venture, arts and culture organisations must be not-for-profit and must register with Boardbank SA. For further information contact Carol Mokwena on 011 832 3039.
