2023 Report Annual Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA)
AT FADA WE BELIEVE THAT ART, DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 4 OUR PEOPLE 5 TEACHING & LEARNING 9 UJ ARTS & CULTURE 15 RESEARCH CENTRES 18 PARTNERSHIPS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 21 HONORARY DOCTORATE 24 TRANSFORMATION 26 GOVERNANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT 27 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 29 THE WAY AHEAD 31
4 FADA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Professor Federico Freschi Executive Dean lecture halls and Design Café are all located within the main Faculty building on APB, providing students and staff with conveniently situated facilities. Despite the transition following the departure of former Executive Dean Prof Stephane Laurent at the beginning of the year, 2023 witnessed FADA’s consolidation of numerous strategic initiatives established in prior years – not least, seeing the first graduating cohort of the Master’s in Art Therapy, the move of the GSA to excellent studio and office space on the JBS Campus, the successful SACAP validation of both our under- and postgraduate programmes, and the increase submission of creative outputs for DHET accreditation. Under the adept stewardship of Acting Executive Dean Prof Desiree Smal, in 2023 the Faculty successfully achieved its performance targets while remaining responsive to the evolving strategic imperatives of the University. At FADA, we are deeply invested in ensuring that our students learn to be proactive about finding and creating situations where they can put their knowledge, skills, and values into practice. 2023 once again proved our commitment to transcending boundaries, fostering innovation and giving life to ideas that shape the world around us. With a presence across three campuses (APB, APK and JBS), FADA boasts exceptional facilities and staff, maintaining a longstanding reputation for producing highly skilled graduates capable of addressing realworld challenges effectively. The Faculty comprises nine academic departments offering degree and diploma programmes in Architecture (comprising the undergraduate Department of Architecture and the Graduate School of Architecture (GSA)), Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Jewellery Design and Manufacture, Multimedia, and Visual Art. Additionally, the Faculty houses UJ Arts and Culture, encompassing the UJ Arts Centre and the UJ Art Gallery on APK, with Arts and Culture offices on all UJ campuses. Further enriching our academic environment, we host two research centres: Visual Identities in Art and Design (VIAD) led by Prof Leora Farber, and the NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art History and Visual Culture directed by Prof Brenda Schmahmann. FADA is located in several dedicated buildings with customised studios, computer laboratories, workshops and a fabrication laboratory (Fab Lab), all well-equipped to suit the specific needs of disciplines and departments. The FADA gallery, library, auditorium, The Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture at the University of Johannesburg houses all the creative disciplines under one roof. We maintain a strong focus on sustainability and relevance, and engage actively with the dynamism, creativity and diversity of Johannesburg and the rest of the world. Dear Stakeholders, FADA 2023 INTRODUCTION
5 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG graduated with a PGDip in Research Supervision in October, while Dr Terence Fenn and Dr Lukasz Pater successfully completed their PhDs. In 2023, AAMP welcomed two new staff members, bringing FADA’s total enrolment to 28 participants. Among them, 18 are currently at Level 1, while six have progressed to Level 2. Additionally, four staff members have reached Level 3. Farieda Nazier, HOD Jewellery Design was invited to join the Strengthening Commercialisation Skills (SCS) program by the British Council South Africa, including visits to Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics, and Oxentia Global Innovation Consultancy. In 2023 FADA had a total of 89 permanent and fulltime contract members of staff. This comprised 61 academic staff, 27 administrative and support staff, and one executive. In 2023 19 academic staff (29%) held doctoral degrees. Staff Development Staff training and development focused on capacity building in writing for publication, postgraduate study, postgraduate supervision, discipline-specific software applications, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and leadership development. Academic staff members across all levels were nominated for the Accelerated Academic Mentoring Programme (AAMP). A diversified strategy aimed at developing different areas of research competence amongst academic staff – particularly creative work as research – was actively promoted to address the need to grow research capacity and output. Prof Neshane Harvey, HOD Fashion Design and Denise Fouche, GSA Operations Coordinator, graduated from the UJ Women in Leadership Programme in November. Funded by Erasmus+ Credit Mobility programme, Dr Khaya Mchunu (Fashion Design) visited the University of Pisa for training. Prof Deirdre Pretorius (Graphic Design) completed the Research Leadership Programme in 2023 under mentorship of Prof Teal Triggs of the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London. In the Department of Multimedia, Bongani Khoza FADA offers a dynamic range of public-facing cultural programmes for students and professionals. The faculty is staffed by highly regarded academics, architects, artists and designers. OUR PEOPLE FADA’s NRF-rated researchers in 2023: Prof B Schmahmann (B1), SARChI Prof L Farber (C1) VIAD Prof D Paton (C1) Visual Art Prof K Berman C2) Visual Art Dr P Hobbs (C2) SARChI Prof A Kearney (C2) Visual Art Mr A Opper (C2) Architecture Prof D Pretorius (C2) Graphic Design Prof K von Veh (C2) Visual Art Dr I Bronner (Y1) SARChI Dr S Barnabas (Y2) SARChI
6 FADA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Geoffrey Jellicoe Award in Landscape Architecture. In addition, he was also elected chairperson of the Heads of Architecture Schools of South Africa. Kimberly Bediako from the Fashion Design Department stepped in as President-elect of the Design Education forum of South Africa (DEFSA) following the end of Prof Desiree Smal’s two-year term as DEFSA President. Prof Smal was elected to serve on the Design Working Group, a forum appointed by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture to explore and present a premise for the establishment of Design Policy and Strategy and the establishment of a Design Council for South Africa. Recognition In 2023, two FADA staff members were nominated for the prestigious HERS-SA Higher Education Women Leaders Awards: Prof Brenda Schmahmann was a finalist in the Humanities and Social Sciences category, and Prof Kim Berman was recognized in the Lifetime Achiever category. Academic staff in the Graduate School of Architecture assumed roles as critics, examiners, and lecturers nationally and internationally, including participation in the Venice Biennale. In the Department of Architecture, Senior Lecturer Alex Demographics In total, 49,8% of Faculty staff in 2023 were from designated groups and 8,9% were international. The Faculty Management Committee comprised 85,7% nondesignated and 14,3% designated members. Female staff remained the majority at 60,7% with 30,3% male. In 2023 19 academic staff (29%) held doctoral degrees. Recognition & Awards Academic staff at FADA continued to be esteemed by their peers and industry as leaders in their respective fields, demonstrating professional competence, engagement, and impact beyond their roles of teaching and research. They actively contribute to the academic community, professional organisations, and the advancement of standards and practices within their professional fields. Appointments Dr Finzi Saidi, Head of the Department of Architecture, was elected both as president of the Institute of Landscape Architecture of South Africa and to the executive committee of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) Africa. In June 2023 he served on the jury panel of the prestigious IFLA Sir 34,83 11,23 3,73 41,57 8,98 1,12 African Indian Coloured White International Disability FADA Staff Demographics by Race (%) 2023
7 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG UJ Arts and Culture’s Operations Manager and Producer, Karabo Mtshali, received a Best Set Design nomination for ‘Ruined,’ and Resident Director Jade Bowers was recognized for ‘Parrot Woman’ at the Naledi Theatre Awards. Senior Choir Master Renette Bouwer received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Federasie vir Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge (FAK). Gordon Froud, Head of the Department of Visual Arts, was elected Vice-President of SANAVA (South African National Association of Visual Arts). Interior Design department staff held national leadership roles: Amanda Breytenbach as Convenor of the Heritage Committee of GIFA (Gauteng Institute for Architecture), Head of Department Ilse Prinsloo as Chair of the Educational Committee the IID (African Institute of Interior Design Professionals), with Trevor Sibanda as its Chair of Student Affairs, and Emmerencia Deminey as Chair of the Sustainability Forum of IID. Thato Radebe, Jewellery Design, was featured in the design magazine titled Designing Ways. 50% 34% 15% 1% Academic Admin & support Executive 67% 33% Female Male Staff by level of appointment 2023 Staff by gender 2023 UJ Choirmaster Renette Bouwer received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the FAK.
8 FADA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 AT FADA, WE ARE DEEPLY INVESTED IN ENSURING THAT OUR STUDENTS LEARN TO BE PROACTIVE ABOUT FINDING & CREATING SITUATIONS WHERE THEY PUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & VALUES INTO PRACTICE.
9 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG Each year, around 300 second-year students from FADA participate in the FADA Interdisciplinary Theatre Programme, providing opportunities for crossdisciplinary development, creative and critical thinking. In 2023, the focus was on a production of ‘1001 Nights,’ directed by Resident Director Jade Bowers. This immersive experience allows students to contribute to a theatrical production while gaining valuable insights and skills extending beyond their disciplines. Industry-Linked Teaching & Learning The Department of Industrial Design initiated an industry-linked project with AXOR, a prestigious international tap brand, for its first-year students. This marked the beginning of design-for-manufacture initiatives, aiming for student-designed outcomes to be produced by the students, generating third-stream income and introducing the FadaFeel initiative to showcase and reward student creativity. To enhance student participation and success, FADA students were actively engaged in national competitions and workshops. A collaborative project with KFC and UJ FADA concluded, featuring a masterclass by Russell Abrahams, founder and creative director of the Cape Town-based illustrations studio Yay Abe. This approach ensures students gain valuable industry experience and recognition within the competitive design landscape. Innovative Teaching & Learning All departments within FADA are purposefully driving a transformative, decolonised curriculum. In the Fashion Department a highlight of the year was the ‘Drum Magazine’ exhibitions. Stemming from a crossinstitutional teaching, learning, and research project between FADA’s Department of Fashion Design and the Durban University of Technology’s Department of Fashion and Textiles, this exhibition took place in both Johannesburg, hosted at the SARChI Chair in South African Arts and Visual Culture, and in Durban at the Satellite Gallery. The Interior Design department promoted collaborative learning strategies and engaged in partnerships with other departments within the Faculty. Noteworthy collaborations include the Digital Fabrication initiative with FADA Gallery and FabLab, as well as hands-on involvement in the design of Small World School, in collaboration with the Departments of Industrial Design and Graphic Design. The Department of Multimedia is expanding offerings in alignment with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Transformation. Future literacies, including practices like afrikan-futures, speculative design, design fiction, and projective research, are considered essential for transformative design. These skills are anticipated to become fundamental aspects of design curricula in the next decade, especially critical for deploying emerging technologies sustainably. In the Department of Industrial Design, a Teaching Innovation Grant enhanced capacity and experimentation with 4IR aspects, playing a crucial role in student projects incorporating 3D printing, tooling, and digital manufacturing. TEACHING AND LEARNING FADA remains committed to advancing innovations in teaching and learning, ensuring the continual relevance, sustainability, and alignment of its programmes with industry expectations.
10 FADA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Student Support In 2023 FADA implemented a range of student support initiatives, encompassing a comprehensive tutor network, regular student and Lecturer/HOD consultation sessions, and dedicated Departmental mentorship programmes. These efforts were further complemented by a broader nine-member FADA mentorship programme, collectively contributing to fostering an enriching and student-friendly learning and living experience. Under the guidance of Tamara Francis, FADA Marketer, the FADA Mentors voluntarily invested their time and effort into mentoring first-year students navigating the transition from High School to University. This cohesive mentorship framework serves as a supportive network, aiding students in acclimating to their new academic environment and fostering a sense of community within the broader university setting. The Faculty also extended a warm welcome to the firstyear Orange Carpet students. This special group had the opportunity to visit the UJ Gallery, where the curator Eugene Hön offered a detailed walkabout, enriching their understanding of the exhibition. The experience was further enhanced with a lunch in the company of Amanda Breytenbach as the Dean’s representative and Ms Francis. It was a memorable occasion, fostering a sense of appreciation both for the arts and academic achievement among the students. Ms Francis also organized the Dean’s Merit List event, a special occasion dedicated to recognizing the topperforming student in each department. Teaching & Learning with 4IR FADA is committed to integrating Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies into Teaching and Learning. In the Department of Multimedia, a focus on emerging digital communication technologies (XR) includes augmented and virtual reality, blended space design, transmedia, and smart environments. This strategic emphasis aims to position the department as a leader in digital design education in South Africa. Throughout 2023, Industrial Design year groups incorporated 4IR themes into various modules, covering topics like 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, Digital Manufacture, Projection Mapping, VR Sketching, and Sustainable Materials. The department actively contributed to FabLab Teaching and Learning coordination, fostering a supportive environment for skills transfer and collaboration. First-year BA Fashion Design students engaged in a human-centred design project aligned with 4IR principles. This initiative integrated theoretical knowledge on human-centred design and basic research, culminating in wearable products with embedded technological safety devices addressing local women’s safety needs. The Department of Industrial Design’s second-year ceramic tile project, showcased in the 2023 Ceramics Invitational Exhibition at the FADA Gallery, explored the theme of ‘Digital Crafting.’ This exhibition fused cutting-edge fabrication with craft traditions through digital design, tooling, and manufacture. In Graphic Design, five Honours students focused on 4IR context design solutions, resulting in innovative projects like augmented reality children’s books, virtual reality applications, language-teaching apps, and community polling and protest apps. The overhaul of the SADC Buna website earned the prestigious 2023 Dean’s Award for its immersive solution, now in the process of implementation and integration into the digital landscape. FADA is always alert to finding new ways to support and enable our students, including an extensive tutor network, mentorship programmes and individual support.
11 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG In Interior Design, Mawande Mdluli won the 2023 Kitchen Supply Association (KSA) Decorex stand design competition, while Tiago Goncalves secured second place in the PG Bison 1.618 student competition. Graphic Design students Sana Machabi and Philasande Masoga excelled in the 2023 Pendoring awards, with the department overall featuring fourteen finalists and three Silver Awards. The Department of Visual Art showcased students’ talents with finalists in the SASOL New Signatures and Thami Mnyele art awards. Students were also selected to exhibit at the Turbine Art Fair, the Johannesburg Art Fair, and the Latitudes Art Fair. Student Achievements In 2023, our students achieved notable successes across various departments. In Fashion, Kgotsofalo Mohau Monyamate and Botshelo Molete were finalists in the Africa Fashion International (AFI) Fasttrack programme, showcasing their collections at Cape Town Fashion Week. Mr Monyamate also secured victory in the menswear category at the Durban July. Athenkosi Takuta exhibited at SA Fashion Week as part of the Mr Price New Talent search. Second-year Industrial Design students entered furniture pieces into the DTI Furniture Design Competition, claiming all five finalist positions at the Buy Local Summit in March 2023. Tshepiso Motau emerged as the first-place winner, with Daniel De Sousa in second and Bongani Radebe in third.
12 FADA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 aligning with countries affiliated with the Canberra Accord for Architects. In a parallel achievement, SACAP also extended unconditional accreditation to the GSA, reaffirming the school’s dedication to quality and rigour in architectural education. The GSA continues to advance – it is a new school of architecture, and we continue to evolve and to exploit the opportunity of forging new and innovative ways of providing architectural education to the next generation of architectural practitioners in a world where traditional meanings and values undergo transformation locally, regionally and globally. The GSA remains committed to becoming a significant nexus for transformative architectural education and research. Programmes 2023 marked the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the MA in Art Therapy programme. Grounded in the historical role of arts in activism and healing in South Africa, the Art Therapy programme signifies a crucial development in addressing the complex psychological repercussions of the country’s past while fostering healing and resilience. In May 2023, the Department of Architecture achieved unconditional accreditation of all three its programmes by the South African Council of Architects (SACAP). Notably, this marks the first accreditation for the Advanced Diploma since its inception in 2021. The accredited status ensures the transferability of all modules and credits on nationally and internationally,
13 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG (32.3% in 2022) (16.1% in 2022) (86.1in 2022) 33.8% 12.5% 88.7% Graduation Rate Dropout Rate Success Rate KEY INDICATORS TEACHING & LEARNING Undergraduate 79% Postgraduate 21% 1488 Enrolment 116 Undergraduate 64% Postgraduate 36% International 503 Undergraduate 298 Postgraduate 205 Graduates FADA Headcount Enrolment 2019-2023 FADA Graduation Rates 2019-2023 1178 1112 1118 1069 1159 310 287 271 248 245 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 UG PG 25,3% 23,2% 28,3% 23,5% 27,6% 66,1% 67,6% 69,7% 62,5% 64,5% 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 UG PG
14 FADA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 UJ Arts & Culture offers a robust range of arts platforms on all four UJ campuses where students, staff, alumni and the public can engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts.
15 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG Choir in 2023; 339 were selected and participated in activities and programmes. Of this number, 268 students qualified for cultural bursaries at the end of the year which is dependent on strict attendance and participation criteria. Additionally, an extensive student arts appreciation programme facilitated access to 1 271 students who attended film screenings, theatre productions and exhibition openings, and a series of six master classes were offered to students from outside of the Arts Academy that attracted attendance of 78 students out of 373 who applied to attend. The division’s total attendance and participation reach across student-targeted activities is 2 753. The division’s strategic annual exhibitions and performing arts programme offers the UJ community access to good quality arts and culture experiences. Its programme included three on-site and four off-site exhibitions, through the UJ Playwriting Laboratory three new South African plays were recorded for release as podcasts in 2024 and a collection of five plays was published by Junkets, while the division produced five theatre productions and three music projects. UJ Choir performed 26 times at various concerts, events and graduations and undertook six music recording sessions. Arts & Culture’s programme was augmented through a range of robust partnerships with MTN SA Foundation, Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZuluNatal, Vole Ballet, Dramatec, Broken Borders Dance Company, Mzansi Youth Choir, Imilonji Chorale, PopART, RapidLion International Film Festival, Drama for Life at the University of the Witwatersrand, Performing Studies International Conference, New Music Africa, Malmö University, Windybrow Theatre, Italian Institute, Australian High Commission, University of Zürich, Cardinal Singers of Louisville from the United States of America, and the University of the Free State. The division also supported and was involved in activities presented by internal stakeholders including UJTV, UJFM, Transformation Unit, Alumni, and the VC offices. Tangible contributions were made to the University’s strategic objectives during the year including the submission of creative output and the support of institutional research efforts through the implementation of the Creative Output Stimulus Programme funded by University Research Committee (URC). The division also offers a robust mix of extramural learning and mentorship opportunities for students while it attracts international partners and collaborators of a high calibre. The division’s extracurricular programme offered to students from across the institution at no cost, includes UJ Choir, drama classes, a photography club, ballet, afro-fusion, and contemporary dance classes, poetry classes, workshops, and slam competitions. Arts Academy activities culminated in a weeklong year-end showcase attended by family, friends, and the public. In addition to 9 performances at graduation ceremonies, UJ Choir presented 19 concerts attended by more than 10 000 audience members during the year. Students were involved in five professional productions produced by the division, performed at 21 UJ events and undertook three excursions to the KUESTA Choral Festival in Pretoria, Vrystaat Arts Festival in Bloemfontein and to the 27th Annual Poetry Africa International Festival in Durban. Of the 3 187 students who applied, 898 students were invited to audition for the UJ Arts Academy and UJ Arts & Culture presents an extramural arts and culture programme to students from across the institution as well as a diverse annual performing arts and exhibitions programme. It is also the custodian of several facilities where a range of university and external events including Senate and faculty board meetings, VC campus engagements, strategic breakaways, conferences, lectures, concerts, festivals, and theatre productions are hosted. UJ ARTS & CULTURE
16 FADA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 The division contributes to employment readiness and mentorship through the implementation of an internship programme funded by The Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) and during the year under review 49 recent graduates received practical training in digital art, event management, copywriting, sales and marketing, hospitality, sound, and lighting for theatre and working in an art gallery. Of this number, 34 were UJ alumni. Most interns were based at the Arts Centre, with the balance being hosted the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, elsewhere in the University, at Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) and PopART Theatre Company. Further contributing to the dynamic development of students and employment readiness, the division manages the Arts Centre’s Front of House service with a team comprising four UJ alumni and 18 current UJ students who receive payment for taking on the roles of cashiers and ushers. During the year under review, the musical ‘Hlakanyana’, that Arts & Culture produced in 2022, received 14 nominations and went on to win a record-breaking eight Naledi Theatre Awards in 2023. At the Vrystaat Arts Festival ‘Echoes of Heritage’ produced by Arts & Culture and performed by UJ Choir won the prestigious Vryskitters Award for Best Musical Composition. The division’s Operations Manager and Producer, Karabo Mtshali, was nominated for a Best Set Design for ‘Ruined’ and Resident Director, Jade Bowers, was nominated for Best Set Design for ‘Parrot Woman’ at the Naledi Theatre Awards. Senior Choir Master, Renette Bouwer, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge (FAK) in 2023. Activities presented by Arts & Culture attracted publicity to the Advertising Value Equivalent (AVE) of R17,793,774 as tracked by the University’s media monitoring service, PEAR. UJ Choir’s estimated reach for off-and-on-campus concerts for the year under review is 11 915. During the year the division presented 69 different on-and-off-campus events across portfolios. Attendance at the Arts Centre for 39 oncampus events was 8 789 for the year and the 56 events presented by other UJ departments and external clients were attended by 20 064 audience members reaching a total footfall for the Arts Centre of 28 853.
17 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG RESEARCH AND INNOVATION of R225 961 from the University of Karlstad in Sweden, the Music and Letters Trust in the UK and the HSRC. advancement of standards and practices within their professional fields. NRF-Rated Researchers In 2023 Prof Alison Kearney, Mr Alexander Opper, Prof David Paton and Prof Deirdre Pretorius were awarded NRF ratings, bringing the total number of NRF-rated researchers in the Faculty to eleven, comprising 17% of academic staff (see page 5 for a full list of NRF-rated researchers in the Faculty. Postdoctoral Research Fellows Over the past three years, FADA has progressively expanded the intake of PDRFs, doubling the number annually from 2021 to 2022 and then again from 2022 to a total of eight in 2023. Five PDRFs are hosted at the SARChI Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture, one at the VIAD Research Centre, one in the department of Industrial Design and one in the Multimedia Department. Output The preliminary (unaudited) figures for 2023 show a total submission of 52.8768 textual research units and 17 creative research projects for accreditation. Textual outputs showed a decline from 54 in 2022 to 52 in 2023, a significant decline from the 61 achieved in 2021. Conversely, the number of creative research projects submitted has exhibited consistent growth each year, increasing from two in 2019 to a notable 17 in 2023. This upward trajectory indicates a sustained and flourishing engagement in creative research outputs within the specified period. Research Funding The Department of Visual Art secured a R1 million grant from the VLIR-UOS Foundation, facilitated through the Royal Academie in Antwerp. This funding, designated for scholarships and travel, enabled Wilma Mutize, a Master’s student, to embark on a threemonth residency at the Academy. In addition to the R2 950 000 the NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture receives from the NRF, the centre secured additional funding to the value FADA Textual Outputs by Type, 2023 43% 25% 20% 12% Articles Boooks Proceedings Chapters 52 54 61 53 33 17 15 11 9 2 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Textual Creative FADA Accredited Research Output 2019-2023
18 FADA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 RESEARCH CENTRES these conferences, the publication of scholarly journals and book chapters as well as additional outputs such as book reviews, curatorial initiatives, catalogue essays or creative work, for example. The intention is also to enable PhD theses and Master’s submissions and for the former to yield scholarly articles book chapters or other kinds of scholarly/creative output. The intention is also to enable participation in conferences, local and international. The SARChI chair undertook work in these various areas and is on track to meet its objectives with the NRF. In November, the SARChI Chair organized the international conference ‘Monumental Developments: Contemporary Approaches to Commemorative Public Art’ at the chair’s facilities. The event, held from 8 to 11 November, welcomed scholars from South Africa and around the world, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Sweden, and Latvia. Another collaborative initiative, ‘Indigeneity and Visual Sovereignty: Rendition, Heritage, Vision,’ was hosted in partnership with Karlstad University and Linnaeus University in Sweden, along with the University of Pretoria. This event unfolded at the Khwa ttu San Cultural Heritage Centre in Cape Town. Throughout the year, SARChI organized research events, including two guest lectures by Staffan Löfving Associate Professor, Social Anthropology and Senior Lecturer, Intercultural Studies at Karlstad University, Sweden. On 3 May, 2023, he presented ‘The Moving Stills of Sarajevo: A Visual Anthropology,’ and on 17 November, 2023, he discussed ‘Gifts in Art and Anthropology.’ The centre’s notable exhibitions included ‘Mandela’s Roots: An exhibition of photographs by Bonile Bam.’ This exhibition showcased previously unreleased photographs by South African photographer Bonile Bam and coincided with the symposium ‘Lens in the Landscape: Responses to Bonile Bam.’ Additionally, we collaborated with the Fashion Departments at FADA and the Durban University of Technology for an exhibition curated by FADA Fashion Design Senior Lecturer Khaya Mchunu, featuring student engagements with Drum magazine archives. NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art & Visual Culture Under the directorship of Prof Brenda Schmahmann, the SARChI Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture operates in terms of output targets established every five years rather than annually. These include the editing of books, the hosting of conferences that are shaped around rubrics relevant to the chair, the development of special issues or edited volumes from FADA hosts two important research centres: The NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture, headed by Prof Brenda Schmahmann, and Visual Identities in Art and Design (VIAD), Headed by Prof Leora Farber. Together, they contribute a significant portion of the Faculty’s research output.
19 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG The exhibition attracted a great deal of interest from the public and enjoyed considerable media attention - including five TV interviews and one radio interview with the curators, and critical reviews in the press. It was a ground-breaking endeavour, which has set a precedent for other bioart/design shows to follow. It is accompanied by an ongoing public programme titled ‘Intra-actions.’ The programme consists of live and online panel discussions, presentations, and film screenings. Four ‘Intra-actions’ sessions have been presented to date. Building on the success of the first version, the CMRC will be curating a second iteration of the SIM | BIO | ART show in 2024. The exhibition is anticipated to bring in approximately eight creative output subsidies. A second highlight of the year was the publication of the volume ‘the Imagined New (or what happens when History is a Catastrophe? Volume 1. Working Through Alternative Archives: Art, History, Africa and the African Diaspora’ edited by Anthony Bogues, Leora Farber, Surafel Wodimu Abebe, and Zamasele Nsele. The volume was the outcome of a workshop of the same title, held in 2019. Collaboratively hosted by the Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice (CSSJ), Brown University and VIAD, the workshop consisted of a series of curated conversations and interdisciplinary engagements. Visual Identities in Art & Design (VIAD) The highlight of VIAD’s achievements for 2023 was undoubtedly the ‘SIM | BIO | ART Intra-acting at the critical node between microbiology and contemporary art’ exhibition, held at the FADA gallery from 20 July to 19 August 2023. The exhibition marked the launch of the Creative Microbiology Research Co-lab (CMRC), and the opening of the bioart/design laboratory in the FADA building. The CMRC is an interfaculty collaboration between VIAD and the Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences. The exhibition proved to be a milestone in the history of the FADA Galleries’ shows to date. It was the first major consolidated group exhibition of bioart/design to be held in Southern Africa. It featured the work of members of the CMRC, all of whom use a range of living and non/living biological forms to render the invisible microcosmic world visible. Collectively, these artists and designers point to how our bodies are an ecosystem enmeshed with the living and non/living matter that surrounds and is inside us. In their work these artists responded to and raised public awareness of urgent environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable ecologies, sanitation and hygiene.
20 FADA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 FADA’s commitment to stakeholder & community engagement underscores our dedication to nurturing socially responsible practitioners who contribute positively to their communities and broader society.
21 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG and anthropologist Martina Dempf, the programme instilled creative leadership and entrepreneurial skills in postgraduate students. Prof Anthony Ambala (Acting Vice-Dean Research and Internationalisation) facilitated the signing of an MOU between FADA and the University of Nairobi (UoN) and the Department of Visual Art entered into a MOU with the Hungarian University of Fine Art. The Department of Architecture welcomed Visiting Professor Manfred Milz from Regensburg University, setting the stage for potential collaboration in various academic endeavours. Ms Nthabiseng Mabale, representing the Department of Multimedia, enriched her academic journey through an Erasmus+ exchange program at Szczecin Art Academy in Poland. Prof Neshane Harvey was the host and moderator of the Italian Design Day held on 9 March 2023. This event, held in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy, aimed to celebrate Italian design excellence while fostering dialogue and exchange of ideas. Additionally, the department curated a series of international Fashion Talks, inviting esteemed industry professionals to share insights and expertise with students, broadening their exposure to global perspectives in the field. VIAD has maintained a longstanding partnership with the Centre for the Study and Justice at Brown University, led by Prof Anthony Bogues. Their joint project, titled ‘The imagined New' (or, what happens when History is a Catastrophe?),’ continues to foster meaningful collaboration. FADA maintains membership in key professional organizations such as the Cumulus Association, Design Education Forum of Southern Africa (DEFSA), South African Council of Architecture Profession (SACAP), and The African Institute of Interior Design Profession (IID). Through these affiliations, FADA stays aligned with design industries, keeping its professional programmess relevant. Partnerships & Exchanges UJ Arts and Culture continued their robust partnerships with organisations and institutions, including, amongst others, the MTN SA Foundation, the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mzansi Youth Choir, Imilonji Chorale, PopART, RapidLion International Film Festival, Drama for Life at the University of the Witwatersrand, Performing Studies International Conference, New Music Africa, Malmö University, Windybrow Theatre, the Italian Institute, the Australian High Commission, the University of Zürich, and the University of the Free State. A highlight of the Multimedia Department’s 2023 academic programme was a two-day Futures Literacy Workshop in collaboration with Wits University’s Tayarisha Research Unit and the University of Pretoria’s Futures Africa Unit. The workshop, facilitated by Prof Riel Miller, former head of UNESCO Foresight And Futures Literacy, was organized in collaboration with Corruption Watch and the Transparency, Integrity, and Accountability Programme of the German Development Corporation (GIZ) of South Africa. The Jewellery Department also collaborated with GIZ in a mentorship programme. Working with the goldsmith All departments within FADA actively engage with principles of active citizenship, both in theory and through various community outreach projects. This commitment underscores FADA’s dedication to nurturing socially responsible practitioners who contribute positively to their communities and broader society. PARTNERSHIPS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
22 FADA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 engagement project named ‘Sustain Her.’ The project’s goal was to recycle fabrics and clothes to design and create recycled menstrual pads for schoolgirls, addressing the issue of period poverty. The design of the pads was led by Ms Zanńe de Meillon, a Lecturer in the department, with construction carried out by fashion students. The ‘Mapula Embroidery Project,’ also spearheaded in Fashion Design, explores the intersection of traditional embroidery techniques with contemporary fashion design, celebrating cultural heritage while fostering creativity and entrepreneurship. The African Reclaimers Organization (ARO) Project is a collaborative effort involving various departments, including Visual Art, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Multimedia, Interior Design, and Fashion Design. This interdisciplinary initiative aims to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability through creative solutions. Jewellery Design collaborated with Sociology on a month-long Marikana Open Studio. The initiative comprised a community workshop focussing on the work done by activists from Marikana and Thembelihle. Under the banner of ‘Environmental Gold,’ the Architecture department plays a pivotal role in fostering ecological awareness and responsible practices. Simultaneously, the Industrial, Interior, and Graphic Design departments collaborate on the Play School Design Intervention Project, contributing their unique perspectives to create innovative and engaging learning spaces. Additionally, the Department of Architecture leads a registered UJ Flagship Community Engagement project involving the creation of socially relevant murals in the neighbouring community of Westbury. This three-year project, headed by Mr Alex Opper, engages Third-year architecture students and is supported by a UJ Teaching and Innovation funding grant. Collaborating with the MMC Community Engagement office in the City of Johannesburg, the project aims to beautify and uplift the community through art. Several murals have already been completed in various sections of Westbury, showcasing the transformative power of creative collaboration and community engagement. setting the stage for potential collaboration in various academic endeavours. Dr Landi Raubenheimer, representing the Design Studies Division, actively participated in a joint symposia in March and April as part of an ongoing project with the University of Cincinnati. The project, titled ‘Arts as a Global Catalyst,’ explores how students can represent their cities through art, adding a global perspective to creative endeavours. A deputation of staff and tutors led by Prof Mark Raymond of the GSA visited the Kingston School of Art in December 2023 as part of an evolving relationship that envisions a range of activities including student and staff exchange and the development of a research initiative. GSA students Olive Phiri (BArch Hons) and Titus Shitataala (MArch) attended the inaugural African Congress of Architectural Students in Kampala in October 2023. The GSA also hosted several distinguished visitors from around the world, significantly enriching academic and cultural exchanges. These included Prof Harriet Harriss (Pratt Institute, NYC, Prof Andrew Clancy (Kingston School of Art, Prof Cruz Garcia and Prof Nathalie Frankowski (Iowa State University) and Margarida Waco (Royal College of Art, London. Ilse Prinsloo and Amanda Breytenbach joined Prof Mpedi in a Vice Chancellor-led delegation to Ghent, Belgium. They visited the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at Ghent University, and the School of Arts at University College Ghent (HoGent), including the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (KASK) and the Royal Conservatory. Additional meetings took place in Belgium, including discussions with delegates from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), the LUCA School of Arts in Brussels, and Hasselt University. In Jewellery Design, Faried Nazier presented at Schmuck Fair 2023 in Munich and later participated in an artist residency at Nirox Sculpture Park. Khanya Mthethwa joined a residency in Athens followed by an exhibition at N-Art Gallery. Community Engagement Projects In a joint effort with the NGO Love our City, the Fashion Design department initiated a community
23 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG attended and showcase the activities of the School within the professional community and introduce practitioners to the range of events that take place at the GSA. The arrangement has several benefits for the community, including providing opportunities for practitioners to earn CPD points, staying current with the latest developments in the profession, and networking with other practitioners. The University of Johannesburg Choir, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024, marked a significant milestone on 15 April 2023 with the launch of the Alumni Affinity Group, led by Prof Adri Drotskie, the Director of the School of Management. Comprising former members of the UJ Choir, this group is dedicated to fostering the ongoing development of the choir. Their mission includes providing financial support and empowering current choir members. Since its inception, the Alumni Affinity Group has successfully secured sponsorship totalling R25,000. Alumni & Stakeholder Engagements With the backing of the UJ bursary office, Prof Anthony Ambala took proactive steps in identifying and initiating the application process for CATHSETTA bursaries, specifically targeting missing middle students. As a result of these efforts, the Multimedia department successfully secured twelve CATHSETTA bursaries, each valued at R80,000 per student, amounting to a total of R1,200,000. This achievement underscores the department's commitment to supporting and empowering students within the missing middle demographic. The GSA hosts regular category 1 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events through its public-facing lecture programme throughout the year. These events feature local and international architects and other creative practitioners whose appeal extends to practitioners in meaningful ways. The events are well
24 FADA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 At the April graduation, FADA awarded an honorary doctorate to the revered South African sculptor Noria Mabasa in acknowledgement of her role in decolonising South African art, promoting diverse cultural practices, and advocating for women’s rights. HONORARY DOCTORATE NORIA MABASA displacement, while dealing with themes of race and gender in our current times. Her artworks depict the harsh realities of life in rural areas and the strive towards social transformation. Mabasa resides at the Tshino village in the Vuwani area of Venda, where she runs an art school in which she instructs her students in the art of clay-pot and sculpture making. Numerous articles have been written about her and are in circulation both locally and internationally including a book published and released by the Department of Arts and Culture in 2019. Her artworks have been exhibited extensively both locally and internationally and are to be found in important private, corporate and public collections. The University of Johannesburg recognises the role that Noria Mabasa has played in decolonizing the South African art world and exposing South Africans and the international world to the richness of diverse cultural practices which had remained hidden for many years. We applaud the way she has courageously encouraged many women to explore artistic labour outside of the conventional domains of ‘male art’ and has shared her indigenous knowledge with, not only those in her community, but the wider world. We believe that it is timeous that Noria Mabasa be recognised for her valuable contribution to cultural life, education and contemporary art over the last fifty years. Amongst the more exceptional aspects of her sustained career as an artist, is Mabasa’s committed activism for women’s’ rights and the rights of humans overall. She continues to educate the next generation of sculptors, particularly female sculptors, for whom she is a role model. Mabasa has long been an innovator and disruptor of the western canon of fine art. We were honoured to award an Honorary Doctorate in Art and Design to Noria Mabasa in recognition of a life devoted to visual arts practice, its teaching, and the uncovering of local forms of envisioning the purpose in such practice. Laudatio – Noria Muelwa Mabasa Noria Mabasa (b. 1938) is considered a South African living treasure. She has been perfecting her artistic practice as a sculptor since 1974. She is a custodian of indigenous knowledge and creative practice and is a respected teacher who willingly shares her knowledge and skills. Known for her pottery, ceramic sculpture and wooden sculptures, she is a recipient of the 2002 Silver category of the National Order of the Baobab, also receiving several other national and international accolades and awards for her outstanding artistry and creativity. Motivated by a series of dreams in which her ancestors spoke to her, she turned to wood as her chosen medium for sculpture. As the first recognised Venda woman to work in wood, she broke cultural and gender stereotypes as this material had always been the preserve of male sculptors. Mabasa’s carvings depict Venda mythology and spirituality, as well as portray traditional ceremonies and the daily lives of those in her community, particularly women and children She explores the hardships women suffered under apartheid such as violence, loss and
25 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
26 FADA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 TRANSFORMATION Lecturers in the Industrial Design launched the Wom+n In Tech initiative on August 31st. This Industrial Design Department Initiative aims to narrow the gender gap in the design industries by cultivating confidence and community among female students and industry professionals in the design technology space. UJ Arts and Culture’s initiatives offers students opportunities for creativity, self-expression, community building, and stress management. In addition to fostering collaboration and communication skills, extramural programs expose students to diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives, enhancing their overall growth and perspective. While FADA has made progress in increasing Black student enrolment, achieving racial diversity in academic staff has been challenging due to historical demographics and structural inequities. Efforts have been made to address this, including recruiting designated candidates, expanding candidate pools through programs like nGAP and AL appointments, and active mentorship through the AAMP. However, there has been some regression, hindering progress in representivity at departmental and faculty management levels. To mitigate this, FADA will implement a program focusing on cultural awareness, mentoring, and capacity development for staff from designated groups. This builds on existing efforts to increase staff diversity through initiatives like the AAMP programme. Exploration of race, gender, and culture is integral to our work, and we strive to use art, design, and architecture for economic upliftment in communities. In 2023, for example, an interdepartmental research project, titled ‘Unequal Stories,’ was initiated as an undergraduate project between the Departments of Industrial Design and Fashion Design. This project evolved into ‘Intersxns,’ a game that captures the multifaceted student experience influenced by diverse backgrounds and demographics. Through immersive gameplay, the initiative aims to promote empathy and understanding among participants. The success of this collaborative effort has laid the groundwork for further development and expansion into 2024. FADA actively embraces transformation as a core value, influencing teaching, learning, and research across the Faculty.
27 UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG The Faculty Higher Degrees Committee (FHDC) monitors postgraduate studies, approving proposals and examiners. The Faculty Research Committee (FRC) focuses on research matters, including funding applications and research outputs. All academic staff are part of the Faculty Board, meeting quarterly for discussions on UJ-related matters. Student and academic data are well-managed by Academic Administration under the headship of Neeradevi Chinnah. Other operational committees, including Library, Health and Safety, and Marketing, meet quarterly, with ad hoc meetings when necessary. Committee minutes are presented at Faculty Board meetings for approval and discussion. Management Structure The Dean’s Committee, with representatives from all Departments/Divisions, plays a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping the Faculty’s strategic goals. Faculty Board oversees adherence to University and Faculty procedures. After the departure of Executive Dean Prof Stephane Laurent in January 2023, Prof Desiree Smal acted until Prof Federico Freschi’s appointment in October. The Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee (FTLC) monitors program approval, academic rules revisions, examiner approvals, and policies. Subcommittees handle RPL and plagiarism cases at the undergraduate level. The Faculty Readmissions and F7 Committee oversees student readmission. GOVERNANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT FADA emphasizes effective management through a structured committee system, ensuring seamless communication and alignment with the University’s operations and strategy. Faculty Board Faculty Higher Degrees Committee (FHDC) Faculty Research committee (FRC) Faculty Teaching & Learning Committee (FTLC) Faculty Committees (Health & Safety, Library, Marketing) Dean's Committee Departmental Committees Admin Committee FADA Management Structure 2023
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