• An overview of the entity

The William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG), situated in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, is one of South Africa’s leading national art museums and an entity of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). The Gallery is mandated to collect, preserve, conserve, research, document and exhibit artworks that represent the artistic heritage and cultural diversity of South Africa, Africa and beyond.

WHAG houses an internationally recognised permanent collection and actively acquires artworks that reflect the diversity of South African society while addressing historical imbalances in representation. The Gallery also prioritises the preservation, conservation and digitisation of its collections to ensure that South Africa’s artistic heritage is safeguarded for future generations and made increasingly accessible to researchers, learners and the public. 

Beyond its collections, WHAG serves as a vibrant cultural hub through a wide range of public programmes. These include temporary and permanent exhibitions, education initiatives for schools, outreach programmes to underserved communities, artist residencies, public art projects, film screenings, and specialised library services. Through these programmes, the Gallery promotes social cohesion, nation-building, and cultural awareness while expanding access to the visual arts across the Northern Cape and South Africa. 

• Mission

   

  A world-class art museum of excellence that is accessible and relevant to all.

   

• Vision

   

  To collect, preserve and exhibit artworks that are representative of the cultural diversity and heritage of South Africa, Africa and beyond. 

• Legislative mandate

The William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) is a national cultural institution established in terms of the Cultural Institutions Act, 1998 (Act No. 119 of 1998) and operates under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Its mandate is to collect, preserve, conserve, document, research and exhibit works of art that represent the artistic heritage of all South Africans, while making these cultural assets accessible for the education, enrichment and enjoyment of the public. Guided by the Constitution of South Africa, WHAG promotes cultural diversity, equality and inclusive access to arts and heritage for all.

Key Mandates

• Collecting artworks that represent the artistic and cultural heritage of South Africa. 

• Preserving and conserving the national art collection for future generations. 

• Researching and documenting South African art and artists to advance knowledge and understanding. 

• Exhibiting artworks that are representative, inclusive and accessible to diverse audiences. 

• Providing education and public programmes that promote creativity and cultural appreciation. 

• Expanding access to the arts through community outreach and partnerships.

• Promoting social cohesion and inclusion by ensuring that art and heritage are accessible and relevant to all South Africans. 

Objectives 

• Strengthen the museum's capacity through sound governance, skilled staff, sustainable infrastructure and effective partnerships. 

• Transform and enhance the national art collection by improving collection management, conservation, research, documentation and digitisation while ensuring greater representation and inclusivity. 

• Increase public participation by delivering high-quality exhibitions, educational programmes, outreach initiatives and community projects that educate and enrich diverse audiences.

• Monthly list of upcoming activities for profiling on the DSAC social media platforms.

• WHAG’s Etchings and Linocuts permanent exhibition

• MTN / WHAG Outreach programme in Colesberg

• WHAG Film screening: Women’s Month edition

• Mother Tongue, a solo exhibition by Anastasia Pather

• The contact details of a designated communications representative with whom we can engage regularly.

At present, WHAG has no appointed individual serving in the role of communications representative.