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The South African Friends of the Israel Museum Art Auction

Curatorial Voices: Modern and Contemporary Art from Africa

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Walter Battiss, Banana Boy

The South African Friends of the Israel Museum (SAFIM) is an arts-focused PBO lending support to the arts and culture environment in South Africa, whilst also highlighting the Community Outreach programmes at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

In order to do this, SAFIM implements a two-pronged fundraising strategy:

  • An annual membership programme comprising exclusive, bespoke art events hosted throughout the year in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. Any art-loving or art-interested individual is welcome to sign up as a member to access the programme.
  • An annual Gala Dinner and Auction – SAFIM’s primary fundraising event. The 2023 Gala is SAFIM's first Gala event since 2019 (due to a Covid-related pause).

Auction proceeds will benefit the contributing artists and the South African Friends of the Israel Museum’s 2023 Initiatives. No buyer’s commission will be added to the hammer price.


Simon Stone, Two Women

Funds raised through the auction will directly support these valuable projects.

SAFIM Internship at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem

SAFIM’s ongoing annual international internship programme sends two local honours-level art graduates to the Israel Museum for a 3 month, fully-sponsored internship, where they work with world-leading experts to gain invaluable insights and professional experience. SAFIM have sent 6 interns to Israel to date.

SAFIM Internship at local art institutions

As part of their ongoing mission to support the local arts community, SAFIM sponsors internship programmes at various art institutions in South Africa. In 2022/3 SAFIM are the proud sole sponsors of the SAFIM Curatorial Intern at the Norval Foundation. SAFIM have supported 4 local internships to date.

*NEW Initiative* SAFIM tertiary education bursary

In continuation of SAFIM's support for art education, this year they are sponsoring a fully-funded, 1 year bursary for a tertiary education student. SAFIM's 2023 recipient is a third year fine arts student at the Ruth Prowse School of Art.

The Ethiopian Community Project

Since 2018, SAFIM has sponsored this important education project at the Israel Museum’s Youth Wing. Within the programme, 30 Ethiopian-Israeli children are brought to the Israel Museum once a week for a full year to engage with art and craft. Many of these children have had no prior exposure to the arts.

For more on SAFIM's organisation and their important work, please visit www.safim.co.za

Karina Turok, Mandela - On the Island

Further Reading In Articles

African Artist Directory

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