Local Art Histories: Community Arts Workshop (2026)

The first discussion in the ‘Local Art Histories’ series explored the history and legacy of Community Arts Workshop (CAW), a non-racial, multidisciplinary arts hub on Walnut Road that operated from 1983 to 1987. Initiated by Gert Swart and Brian Berlien, with support from Andries Botha, CAW became an important space for artistic production, education and, exchange, providing studio spaces, workshops and exhibitions, including the FUBA Art Collection in 1984.

Held at the Art Resource Centre, the discussion brought together Swart and Berlien to reflect on CAW’s origins, its role as a self-organized, artist-led initiative, and the political climate that shaped its establishment. The conversation also connected CAW to other arts centres of the period, highlighting the historical and continued relevance of grassroots artist-led initiatives in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.

Date: Thursday, 13th August
Time: 12 pm
Venue: Art Resource Centre, Room 107, DUT CIty Campus, Anton Lembede St