Available to hire
I am Bongo Mei, a passionate artist, multidisciplinary curator, writer, and independent researcher based in South Africa. With over 15 years of professional experience, I have dedicated myself to creating contemporary African artworks and curating exhibitions that explore indigenous African information through modern lenses. My work spans visual arts, curatorial heritage interpretation, and public lectures, allowing me to engage deeply with both the art community and the public.
Since founding The Basement Project and developing the CHIP_ Curatorial Heritage Interpretation Program, I have collaborated with various galleries and institutions to share my research and creative expressions. I enjoy pushing the boundaries of abstract and conceptual art while fostering an understanding of African culture and history through innovative exhibitions and workshops.
Experience Level
Language
English
Fluent
Xhosa
Advanced
Work Experience
Visual Artist and Independent Curator at Self-employed
May 1, 2008 - June 7, 2024Artist, curator and public lecturer creating and managing contemporary African art exhibitions, workshops, and public lectures. Founded The Basement Project and developed the CHIP_ Curatorial Heritage Interpretation Program to advance African indigenous art interpretation. Worked with many galleries and cultural institutions across South Africa.
Collaborator at Independent Curators International (ICI)
August 1, 2013 - September 30, 2013Participated in curatorial art workshops focusing on curating in an African context, contributing to developing new exhibition and curatorial approaches.
Project Coordinator (Youth Day Project) at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
May 1, 2012 - August 31, 2012Coordinated research, participant recruitment, art workshops, and exhibitions for youth-focused public art events.
Project Coordinator at International Centre for AIDS care and treatment Program (ICAP)
July 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008Managed research, recruitment, remuneration, and coordination for mural projects in Nelson Mandela Bay hospitals.
Visual Artist and Independent Curator at Self-employed
May 1, 2008 - June 18, 2024Artist, curator, and public lecturer involved in multiple solo and group exhibitions including Contemporary African Archives and Isiko, A tribal Outlet. Responsibilities include curating exhibitions, creating artworks, organizing art workshops, and delivering public lectures in various galleries and institutions across South Africa.
Project Coordinator (Youth Day Project) at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
May 1, 2012 - August 31, 2012Coordinated art workshops, recruited participants, and organized art exhibitions for youth-oriented cultural projects at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum.
Founder, Artist and Multidisciplinary Exhibition Curator at The Basement Project
July 1, 2011 - August 31, 2013Founded The Basement Project collective to curate multidisciplinary exhibitions, facilitate art workshops, and promote contemporary art practices regionally, managing events and public lectures.
Artist and Section Curator at New Legacies
March 1, 2010 - April 30, 2010Created and curated murals for the 2010 World Cup; involved in artistic development and exhibition coordination for event-related public art projects.
Project Coordinator at International Centre for AIDS care and treatment Program (ICAP)
July 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008Coordinated mural project at Dora Nginza Hospital including research, recruitment, and remuneration, fostering community engagement through visual art.
Independent Curators International (ICI) - Collaborator at Independent Curators International (ICI)
August 1, 2013 - September 30, 2013Participated in curatorial art workshops focusing on curating within the African context and contributed to cultural dialogue and exhibition practices.
Researcher at Self-employed
September 1, 2013 - March 31, 2019Conducted intensive research on contextualizing Indigenous African information into contemporary art practices, developed the CHIP_ Curatorial Heritage Interpretation Program to support artists and cultural institutions.
Collaborator at Independent Curators International (ICI)
August 1, 2013 - September 30, 2013Participated in curatorial art workshops focusing on curating in an African context during August 2013 to September 2013. Facilitated collaboration and knowledge exchange among curators and artists in Johannesburg.
Project Coordinator (Youth Day Project) at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
May 1, 2012 - August 31, 2012Coordinated research, participant recruitment, art workshops, and exhibitions for a Youth Day project between May and August 2012. Worked to involve youth in creative processes and local cultural initiatives.
Founder, Artist, and Multidisciplinary Exhibition Curator at The Basement Project
July 1, 2011 - August 31, 2013Founded and curated multidisciplinary art exhibitions and workshops from July 2011 to August 2013, facilitating contemporary art events in Nelson Mandela Bay and Nelson Mandela Metro. This included managing art workshops and exhibitions that promoted collaboration and innovation within local artist collectives.
Artist and Section Curator at New Legacies
March 1, 2010 - April 30, 2010Created artworks and curated a section for the 2010 World Cup Mural project in Nelson Mandela Bay, working from March 2010 to April 2010. Focused on contributing to public art projects celebrating South Africa's hosting of the World Cup.
Project Coordinator at International Centre for AIDS Care and Treatment Program (ICAP), Nelson Mandela Bay
July 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008Managed research, recruitment, remuneration, and coordination for a mural project at Dora Nginza Hospital between July and August 2008. Facilitated art projects within healthcare settings supporting awareness and treatment programs.
Education
NDip at Nelson Mandela University, Nelson Mandela Bay
February 1, 2008 - November 30, 2011Matric at Hector Petersen High School, Buffalo City Metro
January 1, 1999 - November 30, 2004NDip at Nelson Mandela University
February 1, 2008 - November 30, 2011Matric at Hector Petersen High School
January 1, 1999 - November 30, 2004NDip at Nelson Mandela University
February 1, 2008 - November 30, 2011Matric at Hector Petersen High School
January 1, 1999 - November 30, 2004NDip at Nelson Mandela University, Nelson Mandela Bay
February 1, 2008 - November 30, 2011Matric at Hector Petersen High School, Buffalo City Metro
January 1, 1999 - November 30, 2004Qualifications
Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other
Experience Level
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