Meet the InstaCrew!
InstaCrew learning from the pros at the Norval Foundation
In September 2018 we put out a call for motivated, enthusiastic individuals with a keen interest in arts and culture to apply for the Exhibition Installation Training Programme, better known as InstaCrew. Two years on we are still going strong with a fresh set of trainees learning the ropes during their on-the-job training hosted by professional installers.
Every 5 weeks our trainees work alongside a professional mentor to install the new set of exhibitions at the AVA. Installation days are busy, with trainees learning everything from surface preparation and hanging formulas to lighting plans and basic curatorial concepts and considerations.
Working on the job can be challenging; artworks don't always hang straight on the first try and artists can be prone to changing their minds, but our Instacrew takes it all in its stride, growing more confident and efficient with each sesssion! The InstaCrew program is an invaluable part of AVA's NPO activities. By upskilling young art professionals, we are helping to strengthen the arts sector, we meaninfully improve artists' exhibitions and create opportunities for growth.
We asked some of our past and present trainees to share their experiences with us- enjoy!
Kazi Irene Boaventura
Irene is an Art Concierge & Duty Manager who participated in the InstaCrew programme.
Why did you enrol in the InstaCrew programme?
I work in an art-focused hotel and wanted to expand my skills in the handling and curating of art work. This programme gave me vital skills that I need in order to manage the art collection at my hotel. I am also passionate about art.
Tell us a funny story or a moment of despair that you experienced during your training sessions?
When my mentor asked for a spirit level, I thought he literally asked about my spirit, I thought he was mad. I also learned how important it is to prepare your tools prior to starting any job. Working with the artist or curator is such an important aspect in order to understand how to design the space. Attention to detail makes a big statement, don't forget the details.
Tell us something you learned during your very first training session?
How to use a spirit level correctly.
What was your favourite show to install?
Each show was different, some more complex than others. I have to say that the show which allowed for the artist to be present during the installation phase had a much clearer directive and vision.
When we finish installing an exhibition I feel ___________?
Proud and happy!
One word to describe your InstaCrew experience?
Proficient.
Keren Bauman
Keren is a curator who participated in the 1st (pilot) InstaCrew programme.
Why did you enrol in the InstaCrew programme?
I have always wanted to learn how to create an exhibition, how to be hands on, and I like to work behind-the-scenes.
Tell us something you learnt during your very first training session.
I learnt the importance of "breathing space" between paintings. Also, the importance of math.
Tell us a funny story or a moment of despair that you experienced during your training sessions?
I can't pick one but it was incredibly fun and stressful at the same time.
What way your favourite show to install?
Mary Visser's "Funny things are everywhere." She had tons of abstract paintings and it was an experience seeing how we could create an interesting narrative by hanging the paintings in a specific way. Her show really broke the white cube setting with a pink backdrop for some of her work. It was a colourful show and she was a joy to work with.
When we finish installing the an exhibition I feel ___________?
"a sense of accomplishment".
One word to describe your InstaCrew experience?
FUN or (a breath of fresh air) aside from the academic-driven courses that I am used to doing.
Shakes Mbolekwana
Shakes is an artist who participated in the 1st (pilot) InstaCrew programme.
Why did you enrol in the InstaCrew programme?
I have zero experience when it comes to gallery work. All I knew before enrolling in this programme, was my own art practice. I needed to get out of my comfort zone and learn a skill that would give me valuable insights into how an art gallery works.
Tell us a funny story or a moment of despair that you experienced during your training sessions?
Definitely being involved in artist-curator conversation before installing is great. It’s a fulfilling feeling, knowing you executed somebody else’s vision without taking away from the artist's original intentions.
Tell us something you learned during your very first training session?
It was a very pleasant learning experience that can be physically demanding.
What was your favourite show to install?
My favourite show to install was definitely Nelo Teixeira's exhibition.
When we finish installing an exhibition I feel ___________?
After finishing installing his [Nelo's] exhibition I felt tired, dusty and in need of a beer or a glass of wine. However I particularly enjoyed this experience, primarily because of the fact that Nelo could speak very little English, and there were cases where his translator was nowhere to be found and we had to communicate visually and almost, in a way, spiritually. I found it funny and testimonial how art connected us despite our language barrier, when it came to curating it for the final exhibition.
One word to describe your InstaCrew experience?
It was lit and very well-balanced in terms of experience and exchange of knowledge, nobody seemed to feel out of place or misunderstood. Just realized that's more than one word, so I'll settle with 'well-balanced”.
Andrea Stallbom
Andrea is a photographer, who is currently participating in the InstaCrew programme.
Why did you enrol for this programme?
To learn more about installation, art galleries and the art network in Cape Town in general; and to meet people and talk about the art scene.
Tell us a funny story or a moment of despair that you experienced during your training sessions?
Installing artworks in a client's home with Igsaan was definitely a highlight and it was great to experience that under such expert guidance.
Tell us something you learned during your very first training session?
The formula for hanging artworks to a mid-line.
What was your favourite show to install?
Anushka Kempken’s ‘The Rain Makers’, because the artworks are beautiful and the installation involved both large framed works and large woven paper works installed with magnets.
When we finish installing an exhibition I feel ___________?
A great sense of accomplishment! It is so wonderful to attend the opening reception and see the exhibitions looking so awesome and know all the hard work that went into it.
One word to describe your InstaCrew experience?
Energising!
Ayabonga Machatha
Ayabonga is a recent graduate from the Ruth Prowse Fine Art School, who is currently participating in the InstaCrew programme.
Why did you enrol for this programme?
As a young fine art graduate, I wanted to learn more in the art industry. Also, it's going to be easy for me to hang up my own artworks during exhibition instead of hiring someone to do it!
Tell us a funny story or a moment of despair that you experienced during your training sessions?
I so wish I did this training session before my graduation ceremony because, at the time, I struggled to hang my work. But now I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve and know how to hang work by using a tape measure and my eyeballs or the laser machine.
Tell us something you learned during your very first training session?
The formula of calculating artwork measurements so that they fit well on the wall. Also, how to use the laser level machine to find the mid point easily.
What was your favourite show to install?
My favourite show was not actually a show, but rather when our mentor, Igsaan, took us to install work at a client's home.
When we finish installing an exhibition I feel ___________?
I feel good and great at the same time!
One word to describe your InstaCrew experience?
Professional!