The Space Botswana, an independent contemporary art platform based in Gaborone, continues to cement itself as a vital creative hub as its founder, Atang Arnold, gains increasing recognition on the international stage. Arnold, whose recent engagements include the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship and serving as Madame Speaker at PACT Zollverein – IMPACT 25 Symposium in Germany, says the growth of the institution and her own journey remain deeply connected.
“The Space Botswana and I have grown in parallel, our journeys are deeply intertwined,” she said. “My international engagements have opened doors for the gallery, exposing it to global networks, opportunities, and cross-cultural exchanges.”
However, she acknowledged that her personal trajectory has at times moved faster than the institution’s capacity, particularly in the context of sustaining an independent art space locally. “Yet, these moments have also become opportunities to pause, reflect, and bring back knowledge, partnerships, and systems that continue to strengthen The Space’s foundation and vision,” she added.
Arnold’s expanding global network has shaped the gallery’s curatorial and operational philosophy.
“My international experiences have redefined The Space’s approach to inclusivity, collaboration, and sustainability,” she said. She now models the gallery as “a creative ecosystem rather than a traditional gallery, where dialogue, experimentation, and mentorship coexist.” Programs emerging from this approach increasingly integrate global conversations on climate justice, cultural preservation, and innovation—positioning Batswana artists within broader global artistic discourses.
Balancing personal creative development with the responsibility of leading a collective artistic platform has not always been simple. “The tension is real and often necessary,” Arnold said. “As an artist and curator, there are moments when my personal creative growth demands solitude and experimentation which I barely get due to priorities, while The Space requires structure, leadership, and care.” For her, the two roles inform each other. “The personal feeds the collective, and the collective strengthens the personal.”
The effects of The Space’s widened international collaborations are becoming visible among emerging Batswana artists who exhibit or work within the platform. According to Arnold, “There’s been a visible shift in confidence and ambition. Emerging artists are now more curious about international opportunities, digital visibility, and sustainable creative practices.”
Many have secured collaborations and invitations through the gallery’s extended network. She notes that artists are beginning to recognise their narratives as globally relevant: “There’s a stronger sense of pride in local narratives—artists are beginning to see their stories as part of a global conversation, not isolated experiences.”
Looking ahead, Arnold envisions The Space as more than a gallery, but as a catalyst for cultural innovation and social transformation. “I envision The Space Botswana evolving into a transdisciplinary center for art, climate, and cultural innovation a living archive of our collective journey,” she said. The establishment of The Spaces Africa (Limited), a new initiative expanding the platform’s regional and international presence, reflects this forward momentum. “As I grow, The Space grows with me—becoming a bridge between local communities and the world, a place where creativity is both a tool for healing and a catalyst for social transformation.”
