Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair: What To Look Forward To

WORDS Michaela Stehr IMAGES Mike Turner Photography

The 2018 Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair’s theme is “a return to making”, focusing on makers transforming raw materials into designs with meaning.

Taking place from 12 – 14 October 2018, the fair will be showcasing the wares of 120 top South African artisans.

“We’re very excited about this year’s theme, which really places the focus squarely on our makers and their stories,” says fair curator Cassandra Twala. “We have an exciting selection of artisans, with lots of new exhibitors from across the continent. Visitors can look forward to the best of the best in local fashion, lifestyle and homeware brands, top SA chefs, high-end wine labels, micro breweries and speciality foods. As always, our intention is to connect entrepreneurs and SMEs to a supportive audience who truly appreciates their craft.”

Here are some things to look out for at this leading food, fashion, design and wine show.

1. Designer Pavilions

Each pavilion is lead by a local designer who is chosen to curate the space. These include lifestyle brand Babylonstoren, textile designer Sindiso Khumalo, ceramicist Michael Chandler, jewellers Tinsel Gallery and wine expert Nkululeko Mkhwanazi.

2. Well Made In Africa

This special project is curated by Mozambican textile designer and founder of textile companies Woogui and Karingana Wa Karingana, Wacy Zacharias. It features work from textile maker Yemi Awosile, Mozambican gallery Ruum, Moroccan textile and homeware maker LRNCE, Mozambican furniture and homeware maker Pirates du Paou and Epicure, a chef from Burundi.

3. Making the Masters

Join a panel discussion aimed to impart knowledge to up-and-coming artisans, hosted in conjunction with Creative Mornings, on 13 October 2018.

4. New Cocktail Lounges

Bombay Sapphire and Biscuit Cognac will ensure that you have your favourite tipple on hand.

The fair will be held at Hyde Park Corner Rooftop in Joburg. Pre-sale tickets are available online via sanlamhmc.co.za for R130 each or at the door for R150 (kids under 12 enter free).  The fair is open on Friday 12 October from 12pm to 9pm; on Saturday 13 October from 10am to 9pm and on Sunday 14 October from 10am to 4pm.