THE BAT CENTRE durban's hub of arts & culture

The Nguni Village

This is a primary showcase of unique Nguni Pottery by Clive Sithole. African traditional artefacts and pro-ethnic diversity of collectables from various corners of the South Africa and beyond are also sold here.  In keeping with the centre’s mission to support the economic growth of the local art market tenants such as Sithole continue to further their proffesioanl and academic careers while engaged in various mentorship programmes.

Clive Sithole

Call: 072 412 4447/Email.
Clive was born in Soweto, Gauteng on the 10th April 1971. From a young age Clive developed a flair for fashion design. He attended the London International School of Fashion Design and from there he started a business designing and sewing clothing. In 1986 he met and was inspired by Philemon Lerata from the University ofClive Natal’s ceramics department in Pietermaritzberg. In 1997, Clive moved to Durban and joined the Babumbi Clay Project, which was coordinated by Cara Walters. During his training at the Babumbi Clay Project, his potential was noticed by Juliet Armstrong who invited him to attend classes in the department. It was here that he gained further knowledge and developed a love for traditional firing.

He continues to be a leader in his field having returned to teach at the BAT Centre’s Artist In Residency Programme in 2009

 

 

 

 

The BAT Centre is an art development and community center located within the small Craft Harbour off Durban’s Victoria Embankment. It contains a number of retail outlets, a restaurant, bar and large hall fitted with sound and lighting equipment. There are large art studios, a number of exhibition galleries, music practice rooms, a dance studio, resource center and a conference room. A computer shop, repair and training service and offices for independent arts organizations complete the picture.