If August House could talk, oh what anecdotes it could tell. That’s silly. Every building that’s been around for long enough has a story to tell – if you listen well enough. You can be certain that the walls of any edifice has witnessed some intrigue and that its doors have let in interesting characters.

August House is one of those spaces that, due to word of mouth, has become one of Jo’burg’s most valuable pieces of real estate. Not monetarily, mind you. Its worth and renown are measured by those who have inhabited it.

As a colleague put it, if you want to sabotage South Africa’s visual arts scene, drop a bomb on August House.

Since its establishment as an enclave for artists in 2006, some of its tenants – past and present – include artists Mary Sibande, Dineo Seshee Bopape and Lawrence Lemaoana.

Then there are Mbongeni Richman Buthelezi, Gordon Froud and Joseph Gaylard, Nontobeko Ntom-bela, Gabi Ngcobo, Gonçalo Mabunda, Jacki McInnes, Nelson Makamo, Bie Venter, Kudzanai Chiurai and Nicholas Hlobo. Musician Tshepang Ramoba and his stylist partner Honey Makwakwa have recently become part of this august community.

The brainchild of Venter – who is the director at Biecc, a company that provides logistical assistance in contemporary art and exhibitions – and business partner Maria Svane, the August House “project” came to life in 2006.

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https://mg.co.za/article/2013-08-16-the-august-house-that-fosters-art