Julia Buchanan opens doors for Africa’s Next Generation Artists
For Art School Africa founder, Julia Buchanan, of the Michaelis School of Fine Art, the spark to create a new platform for emerging artists was ignited during her studies in London. Though she’s worked at local galleries such as Zeitz MOCAA and the Norval Foundation, where she had immersed herself in the local art world, Julia struggled to see where she belonged. ‘I learned a great deal, yet I still couldn’t quite see where I fit within the landscape,’ she reflects.
Acceptance into the unique two-year Executive Master in Cultural Leadership programme at the Royal Academy of Arts proved transformative. ‘It was during this time that the idea for Art School Africa began to take shape,’ she says. ‘I became increasingly aware of the barriers to entry and the lack of accessible knowledge about professional art practice in Africa. As a result, so much talent is lost because working in the art industry is not often seen as a viable career.’
The non-profit platform exists to challenge that perception: ‘We aim to equip people with practical knowledge, connect them with industry networks and highlight the breadth of possibilities in the sector,’ Julia explains. From demystifying contracts to building networks, the hybrid programme of talks, workshops and mentorships offered by Art School Africa is designed to make the arts an accessible and sustainable career choice.
‘For Art School Africa to succeed, our programming must be informed by research and dialogue, understanding not just what we think is interesting, but what our community truly needs,’ Julia says, emphasising that listening is central to her approach. Equally, she is passionate about championing new voices: Artists such as Mmangaliso Nzuza, Zarah Cassim and Reem Aljeally stand out for her, alongside emerging talents such as Sundus Saad and Celeste Jacobs.
With Art School Africa, Julia is not only expanding access but also shaping a future where Africa’s creative economies can thrive on their own terms.
Credits
Text by Catherine Mo
Images: Supplied
This article was originally published in the House & Garden SA November 2025 issue.