New business initiative helps

New business initiative helps SA street artists sell their work online

A business idea is helping street artists gain exposure and increase sales, and it’s changing lives.

New business initiative helps

African Street Craft is a business initiative started in Johannesburg that aims to help street artists sell their art without having to rely merely on passing cars for trade.

African Street Craft is an online platform that allows street artists the opportunity to increase their customer base and sales.

Founder of the business, Alon Bedell says, “Most of our artists come from underprivileged backgrounds and selling art is sometimes the only form of income for them and their families. It is challenging as they do not have the necessary resources to market themselves as artists to the global community. ASC is another means for informal African street artists to display their work and have the opportunity to reach out to customers around the world.” 

Bedell says that the initiative also aims to break the stereotypes surrounding street art and artists.

“There is a stereotype that street art is not valuable, but we want to see the unique African art of these artists in galleries and homes around the world.”

African Street Craft also wants to create a personal connection between the artists they represent and their potential clients around the world.

The founders of the initiative believe the website is creating meaningful change in the lives of the artists. When purchasing a piece of art, the buyer is contributing directly to improving an artist’s life. So buyers from all over the world, many of whom are expat South Africans, can make a real and long-term difference in the life of an artist.

The co-founder, Daniel Aluf says, “We feel strongly about giving back and developing the artist community in Africa. Besides aiming to increase our artists’ sales, our vision includes creating a safe space in a building where artists can work as opposed to working on the streets. The space will serve as a studio and gallery for artists to work from and will allow potential customers to come in and view the art.”

Specific artists and their stories

Each artist has a story; a reason they have had to sell their work on the streets of South Africa.

Langson Kejeni sells his oil paintings on the side of the road every Saturday morning. During the week he works as a gardener in a suburban estate and works on his paintings after hours. From his gardening job and painting sales, he has managed to save up to build a home for his family back in Zimbabwe, who were removed from their huts due to the politic land reforms.

Punoo Mashilwane, a South African artist originally from Limpopo, is now living in Alexandra, a township. He has recently resigned from his design job in order to pursue his dream as an artist. His goal is to establish a gallery named ‘About Friends Gallery’, with the intention of bringing people together through art.

Seth “Eskebua” Buabeng, is a thread artist who sells his work from the streets of Accra, Ghana. He creates magnificent pieces by threading silk on a strawboard.

Tarisai Munzvenga was a medical student in Zimbabwe. He put his studies on hold due to lack of funding. Tarisai now sells his art from a suburb within Johannesburg. He plans to save up to continue studying and hopes to one day practice as a cardiologist for children.

To view the art available, and to learn more about the artists, visit africanstreetcraft.com or follow them on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Worldwide shipping is offered on all artworks, and for a limited time, African Street Craft is offering all The South African readers 10% off any artwork that is purchased from the site. (Use the code 10off when making your purchase.)