MORE Family Collection’s Artist Residency welcomes new curator
Art fans and experiential travellers, we’ve got some exciting news for you! The MORE Family Collection’s Artist Residency has just welcomed Amy Ellenbogen into their midst. Evidently, this promises some great things when it comes to both art and conservation.
About Amy Ellenbogen
Ellenbogen is a South African creative consultant with a specialty in art and design. In addition, she also brings a wealth of experience in the creative space, including galleries, art advisory and curatorship.
The MORE Family Collective Artist Residency
Launched in 2021 by the MORE Family Collection, the intention of the Artist Residency is to promote local artists and to develop new talent. Now, with Ellenbogen’s focus on up-and-coming artists, creatives have another platform to shine on. Of course, it also comes with a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the ever so popular Lion Sands.
Through the Mpumalanga-based Artist Residency, artists get to live, work and interact with guests. Ellenbogen says she’s excited about being in a position to give artists the opportunity to enrich their practice. In fact, she says it not only gives them a completely different environment to work in, but it also has the potential to change the way they work with materials. “It allows me to be part of something much bigger than myself, shifting the narrative and perspective around the environment and our engagement with it, mainly from the standpoint of conservation.”
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is secluded and exclusive. Hence, artists get to work in an environment they would not ordinarily have access to. Effectively, it is an exciting opportunity to understand and appreciate their surroundings through meaningful artwork.
An inspirational concept
The Artist Residency pays homage to the global trend of travellers looking for meaningful, immersive and experiential experiences. Therefore, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge’s guests get to connect with the artists and learn about their creative processes. Additionally, they can appreciate the local artists’ creations and perhaps even invest in an original, collectible artwork.
Robert More, the CEO of the MORE Family Collective says historically they have always supported local artists. “Our intention with the Artist Residency is to uplift both our artists and our guests through an enriching experience at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge,” he says. Furthermore, artists can focus on their craft, exhibit on a new platform and connect with an audience they would normally not have the opportunity to meet. “For our guests from all over the world, this unique interaction enhances their stay, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the spirit of Africa and its people,” says More.
Surprising works and memorable experiences
Amy Ellenbogen will pick exciting, contemporary South African artists in partnership with the Southern African Foundation for Contemporary Art (SAFFCA). Whilst some will be established, others will be emerging artists and they will introduce bold, surprising works enriched by the environment. Ultimately, this approach will make for unique interactions and a memorable guest experience all round.
