NEW NSA GALLERY
The Natal Society of Arts's (NSA) new gallery will be opened on May 12, thanks to the generous support of the private sector, the Durban City Council, the prudent savings of the NSA and the financial backing of Investec Bank.
The gallery is situated at 166/174 Bulwer Road in the charming surroun-dings of Bulwer Park. The 1300 sqm piece of prime real estate, which was obtained at a 'peppercorn' rental from the Durban City Council, provides an ideal environment for the new building.
The architects are the Durban team Walters and Cohen, who won the inter-national design competition for the gallery.
TIMBER
Large timber slatted screens along the outside of the building allow it to be opened to the outside, filtering the light into the circulation zone and drawing vital cross-ventilation.
The simplicity of the architectural form was intended to capture a modernism suited to the use of inexpensive local materials such as concrete blocks and sheet metal, as well as labour-intensive building methods.
FACILITIES
A wide variety of facilities will be offered to both artists and the general public. These include art workshops, courses, classes, a tea garden, a shop and the gallery itself. The aim of bringing in a broader-based audience is high on the list of priorities.
The unanimous support that the project has received seems to display a confi-dence in KZN as a major art centre for the future. It is hoped that the new gallery will also be a drawcard for the domestic and international tourists who visit Durban.
Top artist Andrew Verster has created an exhibition to celebrate the NSA's new home and this also opens on May 12.
The NSA's new number is 223-6867/8.
YOUTH FESTIVAL
Under the umbrella of the Durban Theatre Workshop Company, The National Creative Arts Youth Festival takes place from May 17 to 26.
The Inaugural Concert will be held at 19h00 in the City Hall on May 18 and the KZN department of education collaborates with festival organisers in the KNZ Heritage Programme at 10h00 on May 23.
The Grand Choral Festival Concert on May 25 at 18h00 is sponsored by the Durban Soroptomists Association - last year this was a highlight of the festival.
The Friends of Music present the NPO String Quartet (see separate story) on May 21 at the Durban Jewish Club.
The ever-popular Love of Dance 1996 takes place on May 25 at 14h15 in the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.
PRIZES
Prizes are to be won in events such as the Tastic Rice Theme Competition as well as the KZN Cultural Heritage Competition and the Inter-School Dance Competition. The works entered for the Fine Arts competition can be seen at the Durban Art Gallery from May 17 to 26. The highly-popular Shakespeare Quiz semi finals and finals are open to the public on May 26.
Workshops will also be held for folk dance and theme programme tutorials.
For more details, contact the Festival office on 29-2060.
ORGAN RECITAL
The City of Durban administration department holds regular free lunch-hour organ recitals in the City Hall. There will be a concert on May 9 at 13h00.
SIPHO GUMEDE
Sipho Gumede appears at Funky's at the BAT Centre from May 1 to 4 (21h00).
DDC TIME
The SaturdayPaper and Absolut Vodka are joining forces this year to present the ultimate in fashion entertainment in The SaturdayPaper Absolut Durban Designer Collection in Durban harbour's N-shed on May 17 and 18.
The city's best design talent will unleash its creative spirit for this fashion extra-vaganza with a collection of 18 hot- off-the-press ranges.
Showing their raw talent in an Absolut 21st Century theme will be fashion students from the Natal and ML Sultan Technikons as well as from the Linea Academy, followed by the creations of nine of KZN's most promising young designers.
Eight of the city's very best will compete in the Invited Designers category and the nationally-acclaimed Absolut Designer Range will be shown.
Cash prizes of R5 000 and R3 000 are sponsored by Musgrave Centre.
INNOVATIVE
Already established as one of the most innovative fashion shows in the country, the 1996 DDC promises to take fashion to new limits with a futuristic production incorporating sensational lighting and state of the art sound and lasers.
And the traditional dance till dawn party, Intimate Sunrise keeps the vibes going!
Last year's show was a sell-out so booking is essential. Tickets ranging from R40 to R78 at Computicket.