World-Class African Artisanal Design at the 2017 Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair

The annual Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair is no ordinary fair. Exploding with innovative design, food and wine, the fair embodies the elegance and audacity of all things ‘well made in Africa’. Intended for innovators and trend creators who want to be the first to discover top talent, the fair is now in its eighth year, and is set to transform the rooftop of Hyde Park Corner in Johannesburg from 13 to 15 October 2017.

Having sponsored the event since 2010, Sanlam and fair founders Artlogic bring together top players in the artisan sphere, giving fair-goers the opportunity to be the first to encounter emerging creatives to watch.

For Mandla Sibeko, director of Artlogic, it’s a chance to champion African entrepreneurship. “There’s something very special about having the opportunity to take an ordinary concrete slab and transform it into an eclectic, energetic arena that gives a platform to some of this continent’s foremost creators. For us, Africa is a hub of talent incubation that brings something unique to the rest of the world.”

The unmissable occasion encourages guests to mingle with chefs, vignerons and designers, to hear their stories and purchase their bespoke goods.

Sibeko continues, “The fair has gone from strength to strength over the years, with 50 exhibitors in 2010 and more than 120 today. Africa is humming with potential – and it’s our privilege to support some of its rising stars – the individuals who hold the key to affecting real change.”

One of the highly anticipated features of this year’s fair is a showcase of the works of five African exhibitors. For curator Tapiwa Matsinde, author of Contemporary Design Africa, it’s about marrying talent with opportunity, “The African exhibitors I invited to be part of the fair each bring something unique, combining heritage skills with high-end conceptual design to compete with the best in the global artisan space.”

This year, a range of world-class new exhibitors will grace the rooftop, including the likes of Louw Roets, Saks Corner, Saint d’ici, Thalia Strates, Wolf and Maiden, Urban Mosadi, Steenberg Wines, Clarington by Normandie and Momo Boahaus.

Well-known returning artisans to look out for include: Mungo, Pichulik, Dark Horse, Lalesso, Bena, Dear Rae, Henriette Botha, Graham Beck, Black Elephant Vintners, Hermanuspietersfontein, Ooh La La Confectionery, Inverroche, 1701 and Richard Bosman.

With the world placing increasing weight on beautifully made, artisanal products with an emphasis on quality over quantity, the fair is a homage to passion and all things home-grown.

Pre-sale tickets are available online via Webtickets for R120 each, or at the door for R130 (kids under 12 enter free). For more information on the fair go to www.SanlamHMC.co.za or stay up to date with the latest news via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. 

Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair (Rooftop of Hyde Park Corner)

Opening times:

• Friday 13 October: 12pm – 10pm
• Saturday 14 October: 10am – 9pm
• Sunday 15 October: 10am – 4pm