On 28 January 2016, the department held its annual staff exhibition themed #SilosMustFall. The theme calls on academic staff to work as a team, transfer skills and share knowledge. During the exhibition, they were challenged to get out of their comfort zone and create artworks and designs that are not specific to their discipline of teaching. The exhibition is a way of celebrating and embracing the new Diploma in Design and Studio Art, which replaced the old diplomas in graphic design, fine art, fashion and clothing, jewellery and photography. 

The new diploma was implemented in 2014 and combines all the previous diplomas with a focus on technology. Two masters’ students and junior lecturers, Elsabé Dalton and Mandie Cronje also exhibited their practical work. Ms Avi Sooful, guest speaker at the event from the Fine Art Department at the University of Pretoria said that the staff and lecturers involved in art education should stay abreast of current trends in the arts and continue the making and public display of their artistic practice. ‘#SilosMustFall is a showcasing of the breadth and depth of art and art making, as well as visual research inherent in this department”. The exhibitions can be viewed on weekdays from 1- 11 February 2016, 09:00-16:00. 

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From left: Masters’ student, Elsabé Dalton, Head of Department, Prof. Frances van Schalkwyk, Guest speaker from the Fine Art Department at the University of Pretoria, Ms Avi Sooful and Mandie Cronje, also a masters’ student.