Donate an artwork or series to the CCAC

The CCAC is a relatively small yet prestigious art collection that provides a visual interface between art and justice for the public entering the highest court in South Africa. It is a unique collection of predominantly South African artworks, many of which are internationally acclaimed, that stimulate and enrich education, critical debate and research on the transformative role of the Constitution and the Constitutional Court of South Africa, based on the values of freedom, dignity and equality.

The collection explores and interrogates the themes of transition, social justice, human rights, identity, constitutionalism, reparation and reconciliation in the South African context. Artworks also lend a vibrant warmth to the Constitutional Court where they are viewed and discussed by visitors the world over. Many works in the CCAC portray the agency and lived experiences of the artist(s), whilst others are more abstract and traditional, using form to evoke emotion and understanding, and to celebrate diversity.

The majority of the artworks in the CCAC have been donated by artists, galleries, organisational patrons and others as a sign of support and appreciation for the work of the Constitutional Court of South Africa. As such, no singular curatorial vision determines which works form part of the CCAC. The significance of the CCAC lies in that a diversity of voices are represented through the collection having been assembled by the generosity of the public at large. Continued donations lead to the strategic and sustained development of the CCAC – representing the South Africa of today.

The collection is looked after by a dedicated in-house curatorial team under the guidance of the Artworks Committee, consisting of Justices of the Constitutional Court, the Constitutional Court Trust manager, and external art specialists. The curatorial team ensures the artworks’ professional presentation, documentation and conservation, as well as profiling and discussion in online and printed media, research and viewing by the thousands of visitors to the Constitutional Court every year. Artworks in the CCAC are shown on rotation in the public gallery of the Constitutional Court and throughout its administrative spaces. It is customary to first exhibit any new acquisitions in the public gallery.

Artwork donors are duly acknowledged.

All proposed acquisitions are to be evaluated against the CCAC policy, that includes consideration of the criteria listed below:

1. Relevance to the CCAC
   Strong preference is given to artworks from South Africa, although those from outside the country may be considered if such artwork(s) fill a gap in the collection. Factors such as quality, rarity, provenance and interpretive potential will be reviewed when considering relevance. Artworks that enhance the diversity of the CCAC will also be considered favourably. In addition, additional works will be acquired only where they accord with the spirit of the existing collection.
2. The CCT’s ability to exhibit, store and conserve the artwork
   An evaluation of the requirements for display, storage and conservation must be made. These requirements must be carefully weighed against the needs of the existing collection. The CCAC has dedicated artwork storage on site and is monitored on a continuous basis for its preservation. External installation and conservation expertise is brought in when needed.
3. Condition of the artwork and completeness of title
   Artworks in good and/or complete condition are preferred, however an object that is in poor and/or incomplete condition might in rare circumstances be considered if a better example is not known to be available and it fills a gap in the collection.
   The CCT shall verify ownership by appropriate means prior to accepting a gift or entering into a donation agreement. The CCT will not acquire objects when legal ownership can not be substantiated to the satisfaction of the CCT.

Donation proposals of artworks or series that could be part of the CCAC are welcomed. Proposals are considered by the Artworks Committee and acquisitions sub-committee on a quarterly basis in line with the mission of the CCAC, and its policy.

Donation proposals need to be accompanied by the following:

• Details of artwork(s) (title, date, medium, size), framed/unframed, current condition along with clear photographs and any other relevant information
• Provenance of the artwork(s)
• Additional information as below

Artists: Artist statement, Artist CV
Donors: Rationale for donating the artworks(s)

Depending on the circumstances, artworks may be accepted under a loan agreement, taking into account the cost implications of caring for the artwork(s) through conservation, transport, insurance etc. If a loan to the CCT is being proposed, contributions and requirements to this end should also be included.

Please send all proposals or queries to the curatorial team at ccac@concourttrust.org.za or phone 0113597577 for more information.