The information age, sometimes referred to as the digital age, is characterised by a rapid transition away from traditional industries and toward an economy focused on information technology. The creative industries are also not spared from a need to revolutionise how they produce, showcase and commercialise their artistry using digital platforms and tools.
Credit must be given to projects like the” Unframed Podcast” which is moving with time by using digital platforms to shed a spotlight on South African Visual Artists.
The” Unframed Podcast” project, created by Anthea Pokroy, is a sound archive and resource that documents South African visual arts in the form of interviews and talks. The podcast began in 2018 and has produced four seasons. The first three seasons successfully hosted conversations with artists, curators, gallerists and critics, as well as recorded talks with prestigious institutions such as Wits Art Museum, Art Joburg, Cape Town Art Fair, and Goodman Gallery.
The podcast’s fourth season, hosted by Anthea Pokroy and Nkgopoleng Moloi, aimed at providing a review of the South African visual arts ecosystem in all its facets and how these work together to make the industry function. The season was divided into 7 episodes, each focusing on the dynamics and functioning of different components of the ecosystem, including artist studios, commercial galleries, auction houses, curatorial practice, art prizes, museum practice, international biennales, and patronage.
The podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and provide insight for artists, art students, and art lovers. The Unframed Podcast recognised the importance of documenting and archiving a multiplicity of voices within art and art history and focused on high-calibre and knowledgeable professionals from varying backgrounds as guests.
With the financial assistance of the National Arts Council, the project was implemented successfully. The implementation began with both hosts finalising the podcast’s content and episode structure. Once the podcast guests were selected and contacted to schedule an interview, the hosts researched the episode topics and formulated their interview questions. The 7 interviews were held and recorded from November 2023 to February 2024. All 7 episodes were publicly released this year and are available on the” Unframed Podcast” website and online streaming platforms.
Reporting on the podcast project, Anthea wrote, “With the funding from NAC, we were excited to implement a fresh corporate identity and design, as we could commission a professional web developer to rebrand the podcast. The rebrand was very successful and this helped elevate our branding and overall aesthetic appeal, making the new season exciting for audiences across South Africa”.
She further wrote, “Thanks to the financial support of the NAC, we have enhanced the podcast’s branding, content creation, and audience engagement strategies”.
Through the NAC’s Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 4), the “Unframed Podcast” was able to provide employment opportunities to a total of 8 individuals. The National Arts Council is pleased to provide support for innovative initiatives like this, that assist in the sustainability, growth, and development of the arts.