2026 AGM: Call for Board Member Nominations

Provisional date of AGM: 7 October 2026

Deadline for nominations of new board members: 26 August 2026

Here is your chance to make a difference at the AVA! The Association for Visual Arts (AVA) has at least two vacancies on the Board, and this notice serves as a formal call for nominations to fill these positions. Dating back to 1850, the AVA is the oldest nonprofit gallery in Cape Town, with the mission to advance contemporary art and artists. The AVA is committed to being the most accessible professional gallery space for emerging and independent artists to exhibit and develop their work.

The AVA is managed by a Board that is nominated and elected annually at its Annual General Meeting (AGM). The current Board comprises 12 Board Members, all of whom contribute to the success, governance, and compliance of the organisation.

The nominations process is overseen by the Governance Committee, which is responsible for guiding the overall organisational governance process and policies. This includes receiving nominations for potential Board appointments, identifying candidates based on the Board’s current skill set and needs, evaluating candidates’ backgrounds, and shortlisting candidates for election at the AGM.

Eligibility Criteria for Nominees:

The nomination process aims to form a Board of experts who will actively contribute to AVA’s activities. Board Members are expected to support areas such as fundraising, marketing, policy and governance, and financial oversight, with the Board strategically involved rather than operationally active.

Nominees must be paid-up members of the Association to stand for election. To become a member, click here. Any member of the association can nominate themselves (or another member, with permission).

Two of the current Board vacancies require legal and/or accounting expertise and experience. For other Board vacancies, the nominees should ideally have a minimum of two years’ cumulative experience in one or more of the following:

• Business management or proven business experience

• Fundraising or marketing experience

• Accounting, ecconomics or business finance

• Director or equivalent in an arts or arts-affiliated organisation, NPO, or

company

• Experience in organising arts and culture community projects

• Two or more years of experience in managing their own art practice

Specifically, new Board nominees should also possess the necessary expertise and willingness to serve on one or more of AVA’s expert committees, including the:

• Finance Committee

• Fundraising and Marketing Committees

• Facilities Committee

• Governance Committee

The AVA aims for the Board to be demographically reflective of the members it serves.

Term and Service:

Board members can contribute meaningfully by participating in more than one committee. Attending Board and committee meetings is vital. Board Meetings take place bimonthly, though committees may meet more frequently. Board members are also expected to attend AVA functions throughout the year. Board Members serve a two-year term on a voluntary, unpaid basis. The Governance Committee retains discretion over the application of the qualification criteria.

Submission of Nominations:

Applicants must include the following in the nomination form below:

· Nomination form

· Short bio (150 words)

· CV (to be attached)

· Short motivation (200 words)

· Two references from current AVA Members (who have been members for longer than a year). These must include full name, title and contact details.

Nominations close on 26 August 2026.

Membership info:

Memberships run annually and subscriptions are collected upon sign-ups and renewals at the AVA Gallery or on our website here.

Types of membership include:

One-year: Single - R150; Couple - R280; Organisation - R300; Pensioners & Students - R75

Long-term: Single (two years) - R280; Single (five years) - R550

If you need assistance with your nomination form or have any questions, please contact admin@ava.co.za

NOMINATION FORM

MEMBERSHIP

Association for Visual Arts .