Dates

The temporary exhibition spaces at the Old Fort on Constitution Hill has been booked and confirmed for the Ansisters constellation for the following dates: 5 - 15 August 2005.

We have requested the spaces in the Women's Jail as well - however, they are having some trouble with the building/restoration process at the venue, so we have not been able to confirm those spaces yet. (5/3/2005) The Women's Jail is not available, only the Lekotla area for workshops. (10/7/2005)

The Architecture

Please click on the layout plan to see images of the proposed spaces.

It is an impressive mix of old and modern, with beautiful details in otherwise bare spaces. Many of the walls are mottled with years of different layers of paint showing through in places. The barbed wire canopies in some of the court yards combine with the small, barred windows and cold cement floors to make the visitor conscious of the vicious history of the space.

The permanent exhibitions in the old Fort and Number Four prison is wonderfully minimalist - allowing one's imagination to grow in the empty spaces. It is really worth going there and immersing yourself in it.

Entrance to Constitution Hill is free on Tuesdays. Erica has a document that describes the history of the buildings and the philosophy behind the new design. If you are interested to read it, please contact her.

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Venue Rules

The official exhibition spaces (Space 1, 2) have railings (to suspend artworks) and spotlights. Space 3 does not have railings yet. We may not alter the space in any way (no nails in the walls!). Please keep this in mind when creating and make sure that your work is either free-standing or can be suspended.

No open flames are allowed inside the buildings or in the courtyards.

Other Venues

The Western Cape and Kwazulu Natal are also under consideration for follow-up events.

Alex Community Centre
Godart gallery
Hillbrow theatre
Johannesburg University Art Gallery
Moja modern
Spark! The gallery

Posted 31 March 2005, Ansister site, author: Anni Snyman.