In the heart of Johannesburg, The Arts Company Soweto is transforming the way artists approach their craft. Not only just a printmaking studio or gallery, but it is also a space where creatives learn to take control of their careers, develop their unique voices, and navigate the mostly impenetrable South African art industry. Through the provision of mentorship, access, and hands on experience, the company empowers artists to turn passion into a practise that is sustainable while also protecting the individuality that makes their work truly original.
A Solution Born from a need
“The biggest gap is between creators and administrators,” explains one of the founders – Thabo Motseki. “We felt the pressure in terms of access to education, to opportunities. What drove us to start this company was to create a platform where we could own our craft and open doors for other creatives without relying on anyone else.”
The company emphasizes the importance of ownership and self sufficiency. Artists are encouraged to be responsible for their work, to innovate independently, and grow without being spoon-fed. As the founder – Molefe Thwala adds, “We do not complete artists; we guide them. They must put in the work themselves.”
Initially, the founders hoped to fully root themselves in Soweto (where the company was founded) and develop the local community. But practical realities such as limited infrastructure and government support or assistance made it challenging. “Most of the artists supporting us came from other areas, which affected perceptions of our work,” Molefe Thwala recalls. However, instead of limiting themselves, they expanded strategically across Johannesburg, focusing on sustainable growth through partnerships and education.
Artist’s POV: Growth, Self-Sufficiency, and Validation
For a lot of creatives, The Arts Company Soweto is transformative. One artist – Siyabonga Mahlangu explains, “I wanted a space where I could develop artistically without diluting my creative DNA. TACS became a place where I could navigate what initially seemed to be impossible like getting into galleries, connecting with curators, and understanding the value of my work.”
A defining moment for Siyabonga Mahlangu came with his first sale. “It was not just validation, but it reaffirmed that what I was doing had value and allowed me to continue practicing and growing as an artist. Someone was willing to invest in my work, which felt empowering.”
The artist also highlights how the company nurtures a DIY mindset. From creating frames to solving problems under tight deadlines, artists learn to overcome challenges independently. “Even when you do not have the means, you can figure it out yourself. It is rewarding when it works, and it empowers you to continue creating,” Siyabonga mentions.
Overcoming obstacles and Evolving
Running a creative company unfortunately comes with hurdles. The founders share that balancing artist development with operational realities requires a special careful strategy. “We had to navigate contracts, collaborations, and resource limitations. Sometimes projects demand more than we can handle, and that requires prioritizing,” Thabo Motseki says.
Siyabonga recalls moments of intense pressure, dealing with multiple projects and deadlines. “There were times when burnout was inevitable because you want to do your best, but resources are limited. TACS taught me to find solutions and manage challenges creatively, even when the odds seem stacked against you.”
Defining Success by Influence
The Arts Company Soweto has worked with over 200 artists, offering mentorship, workshops, studio access, as well as exhibitions. “Our biggest achievement is helping artists learn to own their careers,” Molefe Thwala adds. “We provide tools and guidance, but the artists must put in the effort themselves.”
TACS also extends its impact beyond just visual arts, collaborating across industries such as music, film, and food, creating a broader ecosystem of opportunities for creatives. These partnerships do not only serve the purpose of sustaining the business but to also expand the reach and visibility of the artists involved.
Balancing Growth with Sustainability
Working in South Africa’s arts economy calls for flexibility and strategic thinking. The company balances paid services with mentorship programs, youth classes, and collaborative projects, making sure that there is revenue while continuing to support artist growth. “Partnerships and relationships enable us to access resources without relying only on monetary funding,” Molefe notes.
Roadmap for the Future
What is next now is that TACS aims to strengthen quality arts education, foster continental collaboration, and continue promoting artist independence. “If artists can take control of their careers, they can shape the industry themselves,” Molefe asserts.
The impact is already in plain sight. Artists leave the program not only more skilled, but also more confident, independent, and ready to navigate the art world on their own terms. Through the combination of mentorship, access, and creative autonomy, The Arts Company Soweto is cultivating a new generation of creatives who are self-reliant, resilient, and who are shaping South Africa’s evolving arts landscape.
By Sinentlahla Mbokwe
