Startup Story
If you have ever visited an art gallery in Africa, you will know that there is a vibrant and growing art scene on the continent and one that is exciting art collectors both at home and abroad. In South Africa, the 132 Art Gallery, founded by entrepreneur Itumeleng Tshikalaha, aims to promote the work of talented established and emerging African artists to discerning collectors.
LoA chatted to this passionate supporter of African art, founder Itumeleng Tshikalaha, to find out more about her business venture and its ambitions.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Itumeleng Tshikalane and I am a 30 year old law student, mother of two and the owner of 132 Art Gallery in South Africa. My vision for 132 Art Gallery seeks to spark curiosity through the visual arts, instilling a greater cultural understanding by presenting the work of outstanding artists, using the power of art to engage, motivate and inspire. Crowned as the destination for investment art, and a marvel for collectors, 132 Art Gallery offers a diverse portfolio of one of a kind investment art. We promote African Art work by known and emerging African artists. Pushing the narrative " the African Art is investment art" thus building lifelong legacies in the art world.
“At 132 Art Gallery we take pride in the fact that our art pieces are one of a kind, and our client’s investment in the art painting is preserved by its exclusivity.”
What does your company do?
At 132 Art Gallery we take pride in the fact that our art pieces are one of a kind, and our client’s investment in the art painting is preserved by its exclusivity. Our clients take comfort in knowing that they are the only person in the world with that one specific art painting hanging on their wall or stored in their vault. We are an Art Gallery based in Sandhurst, Sandton, South Africa. We showcase emerging and known African artists and introduce them to the world. We pride ourselves in narrating the African story that we have art worth investing in, that artists aren't meant to be poor. We do exhibitions and events to promote artists and we bridge gaps in communities that anyone can enjoy the art.
What inspired you to start your company?
My husband George Mulaudzi is an artist and we always had his paintings around the house, though in the medical field, we saw an opportunity to have his art work and saw a gap in the market to promote his work as our first exclusive artist inhouse and then we looked for space and got other artists on board and that is how 132 Art Gallery began - black owned and women owned.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We exhibit artists work at a minimum fee, we charge less than the standard commission rate as in most galleries, we work on marketing the artist and promote them internationally. We are specific in choosing one of a kind art work and that is our selling point in art, art being an investment. The client or art lover gets to buy and own a painting that nobody else will ever own and while doing so, can opt to sell in later years and get a profit. All the artists we work with, use the medium oil on canvas, meaning the painting will last over a 100 years + and that is what building a legacy in the arts means, by Africans for Africans. We would like to see all our artist's that work with us to be auctioned on Bloombergs and Sothebys and seeing African Art flourish.
“Our clients take comfort in knowing that they are the only person in the world with that one specific art painting hanging on their wall or stored in their vault.”
Tell us a little about your team
We have a team of 6 people that are permanent staff. The Curator / Sales Manager, Marketing Manager, Administrator, The Information and Technology, Contact and Support Agents, Office Manager. Then we employ 20 people that help us during exhibitions, events and doing promotions on a part time basis.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I come from a law background but was raised by a mother who was into business. That was how she raised us and she always pushed us to follow our passion and that economies might change but there will always be something to sell, meaning a need will always be there and that is when you provide for that need, you will then be able to make profit through a service or product.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We want to be known as the number one place , with our open door policies, that it is easy to infiltrate the art market. It is no longer about art being enjoyed by the rich, but any one from any walk of life is able to enjoy and make a living out of art. That 132 Art Gallery is the home where private collectors meets African Artists.
“We showcase emerging and known African artists and introduce them to the world.”
“We pride ourselves in narrating the African story that we have art worth investing in, that artists aren't meant to be poor.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
That I am able to change with the times and with Covid-19, we do virtual exhibitions as we are keeping safe yet distant. That people will be able to enjoy the arts and that every day isn't the same.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Being in business is not a get rich fast approach, but it is a long term investment, the rewards are endless when you finally make it. The pleasure of seeing a vision come alive and surpassing you is the most priceless moment. Business doesn't look at what education or background you come from but it looks within and pushes your mind to think out of the box regardless of who you are.
Contact or follow 132 Art Gallery
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL info@132art.com
Why LoA loves it….
So often the biggest challenge for artists is being able to showcase their work and successfully connect with buyers who are interested in purchasing those all important pieces for their collections. In South Africa, Itumeleng Tshikalaha is providing a bridge between artists and buyers, showcasing the work of the continent’s talented artists in an environment which provides opportunities for collectors and artists to come together. She is making a real impact with this unique art gallery space and business, and has a great eye for a future art investment. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa