SOUTH AFRICA

SANAVA is the oldest, constitutionally established, most representative, national non-governmental association for the promotion of the visual arts in South Africa, its origin dating back to 1851 when the Cape Fine Arts Society (CFAS) was established.

Over the years, the Society has grown to become a national body of artists and lovers of the visual arts.

The organisation proved its resilience despite several war-time situations and challenges of an economic, financial, social and political nature.

Several name changes were due to follow: in 1871 it became the South African Fine Arts Association (SAFAA), in 1945 the South African Association of Arts (SAAA), and in 1998 the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA).Despite the name changes, the Association basically retained the same objectives as reflected in the original Constitution, that of promoting the visual arts in its widest context.

One of SANAVA's major objectives concerning the development of artists relates to the administration of three fully equipped artists' studios in the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, France. These were acquired during the early 1990s in terms of an occupational rights agreement, valid till 2060.

SANAVA is an overall administrative body, serving autonomous branches and affiliated organisations (art galleries, museums, educational institutions and corporate bodies providing for the promotion of the visual arts) country-wide.
Presently, the Association comprises 27 branches and 19 affiliated organisations. In the absence of a national body for the visual arts in Mozambique Sanava also serves two academic institutions in Mozambique (the National School of Visual Arts of Mozambique and the Portuguese School of Mozambique, both in Maputo).

Its Constitution does not allow for individual artists directly to become members of the national association. They have to be members of a branch that is a member of the national body.

Main Objectives

the promotion of the visual arts in general
the development of visual artists
furthering international cooperation in the field of the visual arts

SANAVA

P O Box 2691
Brooklyn Square
0075
Anton van Wouw House Museum Corner of Clarke and Rupert Streets
Brooklyn
Pretoria
South Africa 0181
Tel: 0027 12 460 5826
Fax: 0027 12 460 5826

website : http://www.sanava.co.za"