“Artists also have to eat,” said KZN MEC for Arts, Culture and Tourism Mr Narend Singh last night in delivering a keynote address at the launch of the Renault Art and Culture project in Umhlanga. He added: “They also need a chance to make a living from the art so that they have more time available to practise it.”

No less than 300 socialites and who’s who of Durban and surrounds were bowled over by the contemporary works of three artists whose works went on display. All works on display by painter Mduduzi Xakaza from KwaZulu-Natal and porcelain artists John Newdigate and Ian Garrett, both from the Western Cape, were sold out less than two hours after the opening of the show.

The show tonight was the second leg of a long-term nationwide arts patronage programme aimed at providing local artists with the opportunity to exhibit their works, and giving the general public the opportunity to view and purchase them.

Said Roland Bouchara, Managing Director of Renault SA, “As we gather here today, as a different group of black and white South Africans of different heritages, cultures and backgrounds, I am proud to say that we at Renault are excited to be part of this South Africa.”