Get in Touch

We’d love to hear from you! Reach out for inquiries, collaborations, or to learn more about our vibrant community of artists.

Contact

+27662219014

Support

Ceo@barbertoninnovativeartistsociety.co.za

About us

The Barberton Innovative Artist Society (BIAS) is my creative haven! We focus on nurturing creativity and sustainability within our arts community. Through workshops, exhibitions, and various community events, we promote artistic development, cultural preservation, and eco-friendly practices. It's truly a vibrant hub for artists and creatives, where collaboration and innovation flourish. I couldn't be prouder to be part of such an inspiring and supportive organization.

Retha Olivier

Philip Minnaar

Bheki "Swaz" Mashile-Dlamini

Philip Minnaar is a visionary and founding director of the Barberton Innovative Artist Society (BIAS). Renowned for his dedication to community service and passion for art, Philip has made significant contributions to both the art world and his local community.

With over 23 years of service as a councilor, Philip tirelessly worked to improve living conditions, education, and community development. His commitment to public service is matched by his vision to create a vibrant and inclusive art community through BIAS.

Under Philip's leadership, BIAS has become a hub for artists and creatives, offering workshops, exhibitions, and community events that promote artistic development and collaboration. His legacy of combining artistic talent with a commitment to public service continues to inspire both artists and community members...

Retha Olivier is a visionary mixed-media artist and the founder of the Barberton Innovative Artist Society (BIAS). She excels in painting, pottery, photography, and sculpture, with a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Retha's artistic journey began early, driven by a passion for creativity and nature. Her oil paintings and textured acrylic works explore themes of nature, human experience, and environmental preservation. Her pottery combines traditional techniques with innovative designs, reflecting her love for the earth. Retha's photography captures the essence of Barberton's landscapes and culture, while her sculptures, made from materials like clay, metal, wood, and found objects, address themes of transformation and resilience.

As the founder of BIAS, Retha has created a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable art community, offering workshops, exhibitions, and monthly markets. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, earning her recognition and awards for her contributions to the art world and sustainability. Retha's innovative and eco-conscious approach continues to inspire and influence artists and art lovers alike.

Bheki "Swaz" Mashile-Dlamini is a distinguished journalist and editor known for his impactful work with the Guardian News and the Makojwa Guardian. He is also a member of the Barberton Innovative Artist Society (BIAS) and an advisor in media and public affairs.

Bheki's career as an editor is marked by his dedication to truth and transparency. As the editor of the Guardian News, he has overseen numerous investigative pieces shedding light on important social and political issues. He also serves as the editor of the Makojwa Guardian, a community newspaper focusing on local news and events, under his leadership.

His involvement with BIAS reflects his commitment to the arts and community development, contributing to various initiatives promoting artistic expression and cultural preservation. His advisory role in media and public affairs has been instrumental in shaping the society's media strategies and outreach efforts.

Bheki Mashile-Dlamini's legacy is defined by his dedication to ethical reporting and community engagement, inspiring many aspiring journalists and artists. Through his roles in journalism and with BIAS, he advocates for the power of media and art in fostering a more informed and connected society..

About us

At the Barberton Innovative Artist Society, we're all about exploring a wide range of art and craft forms. We'll be diving into painting, pottery, photography, and sculpture, each with its unique blend of techniques and styles. Our painting sessions will cover everything from oil to acrylic, while pottery will involve both traditional methods and innovative designs. Photography enthusiasts will capture the essence of Barberton's landscapes and culture, and our sculpture projects will use mixed media like clay, metal, and found objects. We're excited to foster creativity and collaboration in our vibrant artistic community.

Pamela Nokwazi Maklalela (PamX)

Mignon Olivier

Mignon Olivier, born in 1993 in Nelspruit, South Africa, is a director and trainer at the Barberton Innovative Artist Society (BIAS). She is a versatile professional with expertise in tourism, fashion design, and accounting. Her diverse educational background, which includes a diploma in accounting and certifications in design and tourism, allows her to integrate these disciplines effectively.

At BIAS, Mignon promotes Barberton as a cultural destination through her tourism knowledge and significantly contributes to the organization's fashion and design projects with her creative skills. Her accounting expertise ensures financial integrity and sustainability for BIAS.

Mignon oversees programs and initiatives at BIAS, aligning them with the organization's mission of promoting creativity, sustainability, and community engagement. She leads workshops in fashion design, sustainable tourism, and financial literacy for artists, reflecting her passion for education and mentorship.

Her innovative approach has made a significant impact on the Barberton community, earning her respect and recognition for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Mignon is dedicated to sustainable practices and believes in the transformative power of education and creativity.

Pamela Nokwazi Maklalela, known as PamX, is a distinguished fashion designer, educator, and director at the Barberton Innovative Artist Society (BIAS). Hailing from Swaziland, PamX discovered her love for fashion and design early in life.

Her fashion career is noted for her unique style and dedication to sustainability, blending traditional African elements with modern fashion trends. PamX's designs have been featured in various fashion shows and exhibitions, garnering recognition and praise from the fashion community.

As an educator and mentor, PamX is passionate about teaching aspiring fashion designers, emphasizing creativity, innovation, and sustainable fashion practices. She has taught at multiple fashion schools and workshops, sharing her expertise with the next generation of designers.

PamX's contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including features in fashion magazines and awards for design excellence and sustainability. She believes in fashion as a form of self-expression and a tool for positive impact, advocating for ethical fashion practices and encouraging designers to consider the environmental and social implications of their work.