The Space BW: Crafting an Ideal Space for

Nurturing Creativity

By Lorraine Kinnear

Art, with its transcendent power to ignite imagination and provoke reflection, has long been recognized as a liberating force capable of transforming communities and fostering a shared sense of purpose. In Maun, Botswana, The Space BW harnesses this transformative potential, crafting an ideal sanctuary where creativity thrives, communities flourish, and art becomes an integral part of daily life.

The Space Botswana Art Gallery and Creative Hub, founded and curated by Atang Arnold, is more than just a gallery. It's a beacon of sustainability, fostering creativity, and enriching the local artistic community. To ensure sustainability, the gallery prioritizes the use of eco-friendly materials in exhibitions and art-making processes. This includes recycled materials, low-impact installation techniques, and energy-efficient lighting. Their goal is to minimize their environmental footprint while fostering creativity.

The Space BW is a testament to the ingenious fusion of sustainable architecture and artistic expression. The gallery is crafted from repurposed shipping containers, emphasizing sustainability and ingenuity. The choice of these containers not only promotes environmental responsibility but also showcases the potential for creative repurposing in the art world. Atang states, "Our gallery aims to catalyse sustainable creativity, fostering an environment where artists thrive, communities flourish, and art becomes an integral part of daily life in Botswana."

WORKING WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO PROMOTE MAUN’S CREATIVE INDUSTRY

The Space BW actively engages with the local community to promote the growth of the creative industry not only in Maun but also potentially on an international scale. They organize workshops, educational programs, residencies, and community events to encourage artistic expression and appreciation in Maun and surrounding villages. By being present in the local scene, The Space BW ensures that its mission is well understood. The gallery is committed to supporting local artists and creatives in Maun and throughout Botswana. They provide a platform for emerging talents through exhibitions and collaborations, ensuring that the gallery remains a dynamic hub for the local artistic community. Additionally, The Space BW runs a mentorship program called 'Space Creatives' aimed at out-of-school youth who are passionate about art. This program not only provides materials for learning and painting but also creates a space for dialogue, giving hope to young artists.

A recent exhibition curated by The Space BW aimed to pique interest in art for both buyers and creators. This involved interactive installations with clay from international visiting artists, artist talks with secondary students, and community-driven art projects addressing climate change. The goal was to create a space where everyone, regardless of their familiarity with art, could find inspiration.

Measuring Success On The Path Towards Sustained Growth

As an entity that intends to scale, measuring success is pivotal to mapping a path for successfully operating the gallery. The success of The Space BW's initiatives is measured through various metrics, including attendance at events, community participation, international representation, creative educational feedback, artist feedback, corporate engagements, and sales. They also assess the impact on the local creative ecosystem, tracking the growth and recognition of artists associated with the gallery and their social media presence.

The Space BW actively seeks artists from diverse backgrounds and communities. They implement mentorship programs and foster international collaborations to create a melting pot of artistic influences, enriching the local art scene with global perspectives. To keep artists engaged and aware of the importance of maintaining and growing interest in art within local communities, The Space BW organizes regular meetings, and workshops, as well as providing resources for artists to develop their community outreach skills. They place a high value on quality and storytelling when selecting artists' work, and they encourage artists to produce work inspired by their environment and culture. To maintain such a high standard of quality for artists, the gallery ensures a fair compensation policy for artists by transparently disclosing their commission structure. This approach guarantees that artists receive a substantial portion of the proceeds from their work, supporting their livelihoods and encouraging sustained artistic practice.

This being one of the first of its kind in Maun, the gallery makes a concerted effort to ensure that its exhibitions and events are accessible to all community members. They leverage social media, word of mouth, and partnerships with local organizations to ensure that art remains a shared experience for everyone. The Lead Curator was the first female Motswana to own a private Gallery and puts much emphasis on breaking barriers and unlocking the potential for Batswana’s creative community.

She commented, “Art Education and Art Awareness are significant to me because when I was in university, many artists communities didn’t exist in Botswana. There were not many places that catered for someone like me who is a Multidisciplinary Artist. From this realisation, I took it upon myself to save up and make the dream that is, The Space BW, come true. With this space, I hope to make a difference in the lives of others doing what I love the most, ART!!!”

ATANG L. S ARNOLD AND THE PASSION THAT INSPIRES.

The Space BW, under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Atang L.S Arnold, stands as a testament to the power of sustainable creativity and community engagement. By providing a platform for local artists, supporting sustainability, and fostering inclusivity, this gallery has become a beacon for art in Maun, Botswana. Mrs. Arnold's passion for art education and awareness has led to the creation of a space that not only nurtures creativity but also inspires future generations of artists. The Space BW's impact extends beyond the walls of a gallery; it has become a symbol of creativity, sustainability, and hope in the heart of Botswana.