Community Support

The Ardmore artists are commissioned employees who are given training, direction, materials, a fully-equipped place to work and a guaranteed global market for their artwork. They are supported by the resources of a skilled marketing, administrative and HR team. Uplifting and empowering the Ardmore artists and improving their surrounding communities have always been of particular importance since the establishment of Ardmore Ceramic Art by Fee Halsted in the 1980s. In addition to giving over forty local people the opportunity to develop and explore their creative talents and so earn a worthwhile income; Ardmore contributes a percentage of profits to a fund to enable upliftment and socio-economical support to the artists and their surrounding community. Ardmore also provides each member of the team with a nutritious meal every day, pays towards their healthcare, and encourages and supports those who wish to undertake additional training and education.
HIV-AIDS is a scourge of Southern Africa, and continues to decimate the local population. Good nutrition and the availability of anti-retrovirals (ARVs) are vital elements in the fight against the disease by those who are already infected. This is why a healthy daily meal is supplied to all at Ardmore and payment for access to medical attention is provided.

The Bonnie Ntshalintshali Museum is a tribute to the first of the Ardmore artists to make her name, and whose loss to this disease in 1999 was a devastating wake-up-call to all at Ardmore. It prompted Fee to take action and embark on a revolutionary mission to break through the barrier of silence that was being perpetuated by all – even the country's government – at the time. The artists, through their exposure to factually-based information and education by trained fieldworkers, have managed to throw off the traditional taboos about discussing illness and sexuality and have explored these topics through the internationally acclaimed and widely travelled AIDS Collection. Ardmore's 25th anniversary in 2010 was the first year that there was no loss of life through AIDS at Ardmore.

The artists are referred to by the community as the 'isigiwili' or fortunate ones, and as such, are respected individuals who can spread the word about the realities of AIDS and how to live with it. Their role as leaders is actively encouraged at Ardmore, which undertakes the development of management skills in addition to artistic talent. The artists are encouraged to be strong and principled, to take a stand when necessary and to be just, fair and brave. Ardmore's future – and ultimately the future of everyone in the community – depends on this strength of character. It ensures stability and longevity for the artists as well as Ardmore. Leaders are carefully selected by exemplary behaviour and attitude and grown into positions of authority. Individuals who show potential to grow are trained in specific skills for a role within the company (for example, being sent on courses in photography, computers/IT, kiln firing and even driving).

In November 2010, Fee Halsted was honoured by the Philadelphia-based Women's Campaign International for her "inspirational work" in empowering the women of KwaZulu-Natal. Previous honorees include Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.

Anyone wishing to find out more or wanting to make a contribution towards the community work undertaken by Ardmore should contact us on {mailto address="info@ardmoreceramics.co.za" encode="javascript"} or telephone +27 (0) 33 234 4869.