By Nkhensani Chauke
The City of Johannesburg has announced a plan to temporarily relocate the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) collection to a secure facility while its historic building undergoes essential restoration.
The move is part of a broader plan to revitalise the inner city and address the deteriorating conditions of the JAG building.
The municipality’s agreement to temporarily relocate the JAG follows the gallery’s proposal for its reimagining, with plans to discuss new business models for its future.
In a joint statement, the City of Johannesburg (COJ) and the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) said the relocation plan involves a carefully coordinated logistical operation to guarantee the safety, integrity, and security of all collection items.
“The relocation encompasses verification, classification, detailed consignment listing, and packaging of collection items. A specialised art handling guide will underpin all activities to ensure compliance with museum standards,” the COJ and JDA said.
“Additional services such as fumigation, valuation, insurance, digitisation, and environmental control will be integrated into the project to address the collection’s unique needs.
The City of Johannesburg has identified several potential facilities for the temporary storage of the collection, including the Ditsong Museum, Museum Africa, and commercial galleries such as the Anglo American Office on Main Street, the FNB Gallery, the Absa Gallery, and the Standard Bank Gallery.
“Each site will undergo thorough condition assessments and necessary refurbishments to meet international museum standards, including climate control, fire safety, security, and adequate space for staff and conservation activities,” the COJ and JDA said in a statement.
“The relocation will be conducted in strict accordance with South African heritage legislation. Notifications will be submitted to the South African Heritage Resources Information System (SARIS).”
JDA has been appointed to oversee and manage all procurements activities, ensuring transparency and compliance with municipal policies.
“The City of Johannesburg is dedicated to safeguarding the JDA collection through a comprehensive, well-managed relocation process that prioritises conservation, security, and minimal disruption,” the parties said.
All necessary measures are being implemented to ensure the collection’s protection and to facilitate a successful return to the restored JAG building.”
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