African Design Magazine March 2015 | Page 4

AD Editor’s view A venue for African Design inspiration If you ever find yourself in Johannesburg with a few hours to spare and in need of some inspiration, a few hours spent at MOAD, the Museum of African Design will be time well spent. The Museum of African Design is the first museum on the African continent dedicated to design. A cultural hub, rather than a collecting institution, MOAD devotes itself to exploring the ever-changing African continent and diaspora. The MOAD property (a former automotive ‘panel-beater’) was purchased by Propertuity Pty, the developers of the Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg, in 2011. The space has hosted numerous gallery exhibitions and events. In June of 2013 renovation began on the site to accommodate more parking and building upgrades. The Museum of African Design officially opened at the end of October 2013. The Museum of African Design is dedicated to being the foremost museum of African design in the world. It manifests its commitment to this vision by documenting the dynamic world of African design; by presenting exhibitions and educational programs; by collaborating with partner institutions around the world; and by supporting unparalleled scholarship on African design. And its location is inspiring too. MOAD is in the centre of South Africa’s most exciting transformation – the Maboneng Precinct (www.mabonengprecinct.com) – South Africa’s first arts and design neighborhood. Started in 2009, and fuelled by some of the world’s most creative minds (like William Kentridge), the neighborhood is bringing people back into Johannesburg to live, work and play. MOAD will be reopening in April after extensive improvements; pop in for some African inspiration. We hope you enjoy the read (and inspiration too) on the pages of this month’s African Design Magazine. AD Published by African Design Magazine (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 9802, Edenglen, Johannesburg, South Africa, 1613 Gregg Cocking Cover photograph: Ramzi Towers, Nigeria How to get in touch with African Design Magazine Editorial Gregg Cocking Cell: [phone] Email: [email protected] Advertising enquiries Lesley Shapiro Cell: [phone] Email: [email protected] While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of its contents and information, neither the editor, publisher, or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom. All rights reserved. © African Design Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners. www.africandesignmagazine.com Facebook: AfricanDesignMagazine Twitter: @AfricanDesignMagazine 4 africandesignmagazine.com