By At a moment when arts funding is under increasing strain, Artist Proof Studio (APS) marks its 35th anniversary not only with celebration, but with urgency.
In partnership with Strauss & Co, APS presents a landmark exhibition and timed online sale that directly supports its education programme – one of the most vital pipelines for emerging printmaking talent in South Africa. This is not simply an exhibition. It is a call to action.
Investing in education, sustaining a sector
For over three decades, APS has provided subsidised, high-quality arts education to young artists – many of whom would otherwise have no access to formal training. Each year, approximately 100 students benefit from its intensive programmes, which combine technical mastery with critical thinking and professional development.
These programmes are sustained through a fragile mix of philanthropy, corporate sponsorship and artwork sales. Every artwork bought contributes directly to:
● Student bursaries and scholarships
● Studio access and materials
● The continuation of a proven, alternative arts education model
Supporting this sale means investing in the next generation of South African artists – future cultural leaders whose work will shape the country’s creative identity.
Printmaking in the contemporary market
Printmaking occupies a unique and often undervalued position within the contemporary art market. Compared to painting and sculpture, prints offer:
● Greater accessibility for new collectors
● Lower price points with high artistic and technical value
● The ability to generate income across editions, supporting artists more sustainably
As digital platforms and online auctions grow, printmaking is increasingly recognised as a viable and democratic entry point into collecting – expanding the market while supporting artist livelihoods.
The APS online sale, running alongside the exhibition, demonstrates how digital sales can function as a critical economic tool – connecting artists to broader audiences while generating essential income streams.
Building a sustainable arts ecosystem
At its core, APS represents a holistic approach to sustainability in the arts:
● Education – training and mentorship
● Production – access to professional print facilities
● Market access – exhibitions and sales platforms
● Community – collaboration across generations of artists
As co-founder Kim Berman has long emphasised, the studio is not only about making prints – it is about building futures.
A timely opportunity to support
The anniversary exhibition at Strauss & Co’s Houghton space brings together works by APS alumni and emerging artists, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire museum-quality prints while directly supporting arts education.
A timed online auction runs until 17 April, with proceeds contributing to APS’s ongoing programmes.
In a constrained economic climate, the sustainability of institutions like APS depends on active participation – from collectors, corporates, and the public alike.
Supporting this initiative is not just about acquiring art. It is about sustaining a system that makes art possible.