Overall Objective of the Training and Professional Skills Development Programme

In the 12 years of existence, Artist Proof Studio’s main focus has been on developing the principles of building capacity, professional practice, self-sustainability, and black leadership. Since 2003, Artist Proof Studio offers several inter-related skills and empowerment programmes to under-served communities including learnerships, mentorship and outreach.

The Training and Professional Skills Development programmes run over a three year period with exit levels at the end of each year and has been developed over the years according to the needs of our learners and the art industry. Learners accepted into Artist Proof Studio come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, and are accepted on the strength of their talent and ambition to develop a career in the visual arts. All learners at APS are subsidised through the Learnerships or bursary grants. These training programmes are critically needed to further the growth and development of young artists and also to extend the income generation opportunities for the community arts sector as a whole.

This training has greatly benefited artists from the Gauteng area as it has provided them with holistic skills to create job opportunities and employment for themselves. Many of the artists and learners from Artist Proof Studio are now gainfully employed as trainers, facilitators, project and unit managers both in the studio and for other non-profit art organisations. Some are now working and exhibiting as professional artists while others have preferred to teach their skills. Many of the highly skilled artists and trainers who have graduated from Artist Proof Studio are now employed by the studio to continue to develop young talent. Over the past three years we have continued to grow and further improve our training programmes and build our professional practice through the implementation of accredited training and our application to become an a service provider for the SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority). We currently have over 100 learners working in the studio attending our training programmes printmaking, design and product development. Our staff component has increased to over 20 full, part-time and contract staff. Various programmes and projects have been devised to assist with developing the business, marketing, professional practice and valuable life skills of the learners we teach.

NQF level 4 Design Foundation in Printmaking programme (First year course)

This programme is our learnership programme currently funded by the MAPPP Seta and our curriculum includes business and computer skills, drawing, visual literacy and printmaking techniques we accept 20 new learners per year into this programme.

Advanced Printmaking Programme

This is our second year training programme and offers a vibrant project driven training programme teaching skills in printmaking such as multiple plate etching, lithography, silk-screening, photography and reduction wood-cut. The learning programme focuses on client driven projects with invited artists and trainers briefing learners on specific outcomes for development. It also offers internship development and workplace (professional practice) training. Marketing and communications such as client liaison skills and presentation skills are critical in the course. This group consists of 21 learners

Professional Development (Third year training)

This third year of training is essentially a professional development year which incorporates internships and work place training in various skills This programme aims to develop young artists’ creative and business skills through the training units and mentorship opportunities. Artist Proof Studio focuses on a holistic training methodology that builds capacity to develop young professionals, teaches practical hands on skills for income generation and grows the life skills of the learner. The third year Professional Development Programme is a capacity building year that is focused towards developing the networking and professional practice of the group, expanding their potential to achieve in a professional environment by offering facilities and advice on producing a body of work for exhibition, training in project planning and budgeting as well as workplace internships in their chosen area of specialty. Bursaries for teacher training and facilitator training are also made available for this group. Learners are required to develop a body of work for exhibition. Throughout the year the learner is self managed against a project plan. This teaches vital project management skills and gives the learner tools for planning and managing their own training and future artistic career. This group currently consists of 15 learners who attend training as well as complete a workplace internship in the studio under the following fields: Collaborative printing, Photography, Paper prayers and outreach, Papermaking, Teaching, Facilitation training, Graphic Design and Marketing.

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