Oudeberg is proud to offer an artist-in-residence programme to help raise awareness and funds for its conservation mission but also to partner with leading artists to produce profound works inspired by the local landscape and biodiversity.
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Artists working in all media (including sculpture and 3D) are invited to apply to the residency. Applicants for the programme are required to demonstrate a relationship between their work and Oudeberg Nature Reserve / the Baviaanskloof. The applications will be considered on an bi-annual basis.
Artists accepted onto the programme are hosted at Oudeberg for free and provided with any required logistical support, in addition of course to the peace and quiet of the wilderness. The artists are encouraged to hold an exhibition of their work afterwards, with a proportion of sales of the original art and prints being donated to the nature reserve to offset ongoing conservation and management costs. It is, therefore, important that artists-in-residence share the same conservation values as the owners of Oudeberg. We hope the artists find the residency experience useful in providing public relations material to promote their own profiles.
Funds raised by Oudeberg as a result of the artist residencies will be faithfully applied in conservation initiatives and the management of the estate as a natural wilderness. These activities will include: safeguarding the property from poachers, the removal and ongoing management of alien vegetation, the removal of internal camp fencing, wetland and erosion management (including the ongoing maintenance of dams to provide vital surface water sources), land restoration and re-wilding initiatives, important ecologicial research into the flora and fauna of the reserve (including through the deployment of camera traps), and, of course, to support future artist residencies.
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RESIDENCY DETAILS
The residency will be 2 weeks in duration.
The artists will be limited to 4 in number.
Transfers to / from George airport will be provided for 21st Nov / 5th Dec.
Otherwise, artists are welcome to rent their own car and make their own way to Oudeberg (directions to be provided if required). NB. George is c.1.5 hours away; Port Elizabeth is c.3.5 hours away.
Artists will be hosted by Oudeberg's reserve management couple. They will be on hand for emergencies, guidance, logistics, general help.
Artists will be accommodated in the Lodge (2 ensuite double rooms, one dorm room with own bathroom), i.e. max 2 per bedroom / bathroom.
Meals will be self-catered. Fridges / freezers will be stocked on arrival. One additional weekly shop will be undertaken during the trip to town.
Transport is provided within the reserve (pick-up truck and possibly quad bikes). A valid driving licence and insurance is required to drive the vehicle outside the reserve.
All transfers / transport / food and soft drinks and other household consumables are paid for by Oudeberg.
Artists must pay for all flights, insurance and any personal expenses.
Artists will be provided with a tour of the reserve.
In addition to the peace and solitude of the reserve, 2 excursions are included: (i) a tour into the Baviaanskloof mega-reserve to enjoy the landscape and to witness conservation work; (ii) a trip into either Willowmore or Uniondale -
two typical Victorian Karoo towns