Published December 05, 2023
As we enter the festive season, I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest season's
greetings to each and every one of you. It has been a year filled with remarkable
achievements, yet not without its fair share of challenges. As we prepare to usher in the
new year, I find it fitting to reflect on our collective journey and share our aspirations for the
future.
Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to the entire Javett Art Centre at University of
Pretoria team, with committed support from our Board, The University of Pretoria
Executive, The Javett Foundation and donor partners, for their unwavering dedication and
hard work throughout this year. Their passion and commitment have been instrumental in
the success we have achieved together. From ground breaking exhibitions to engaging co-
creation programs, their efforts have truly contributed to the enrichment of the cultural
tapestry of our stakeholders and the creative sector.
In the midst of our triumphs, we have faced challenges that have tested our operational
resilience. The global economic landscape continues to evolve, presenting us with
unforeseen obstacles at our local level. However, it is during these challenging times that
our communities of practice and arts appreciation in Tshwane and beyond have
demonstrated growing care and commitment to our compelling cultural work. In this year,
we experienced changes in our Senior Management leadership with both our Curatorial
Director, Gabi Ngcobo and Senior Manager Operations and Administration, Elroy Fillis-Bell
moving on to take up very important leadership roles locally and internationally, and we
welcomed Jackie Rens who takes over as our new Senior Manager Operations and
Administration to lead us to the new horizon. We will be searching for our new Curatorial
Director in the coming year.
Looking ahead to the coming year, I am excited to announce our commitment to enhancing
the visitor experience at Art Centre. We recognize the importance of providing a space that
not only showcases exceptional art and practice but also ensures that each visitor feels
welcome and inspired. Our team is diligently working on major improvements that will
elevate the overall experience that includes curated live music performances, art market
place, social tourism activities and edutainment activities for children and families.
Furthermore, we are placing a renewed focus on wellness programs for our visitors as our
country marks 30 years of our democracy and freedom. The transformative power of art is
immeasurable, and we believe in creating an environment that fosters both artistic
appreciation and personal well-being. Our upcoming wellness programs will offer a unique
blend of artistic expression and mindfulness, providing a holistic experience for all who
engage with our Art Center.
As we embark on the next level exciting journey with 2024 marking 5 years of our existence,
I invite each member of our community to share their thoughts and ideas. Your input is
invaluable in shaping the future of this unique Art Centre, and together, we can create a
space that not only reflects the richness of art in Tshwane but also promotes the well-being
of all who walk through our doors. We invite you to join our exciting Membership programme to become an active participant in our collective mission to grow the work and offering of the Javett-UP.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt season's greetings to you and your loved ones. May the
holiday season bring joy, peace, and inspiration to your lives. Wishing you a wonderful holiday and a bright and creative New Year!