Since Telkom started its art collection in 1992, it has grown into diverse collections of contemporary art in corporate South Africa. Consisting of more than 1000 artworks, the collection includes painting, drawing, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics, etching, photography, silkscreen, woodblock, linocut, monoprint and lithography.Â
The collection features artworks by over 300 artists, some of them well established and some still up-and-coming. Among the best-known artists whose work Telkom has bought are Walter Battiss, Bonnie Ntshalintshali, Willem Boshoff, and David Nthubu Koloane, all of whom achieved local and international recognition.
The collection is displayed in order to enhance the working environment of Telkom for the benefit of the staff, as well as to promote a positive image of Telkom with regard to social responsibility and a cultural interest in local heritage. The collection contributes to cultural awareness and art appreciation for employees.
The purpose of the collection is to establish a quality art collection reflecting the rich development of contemporary art in South Africa, while at the same time supporting local talent. The collection also acts as a historical record of movements in art.