Who We Are

The BAT Centre is a community of arts development and cultural entertainment centre located within the Small Craft Harbour off Durban’s Victoria Embankment. It consists of a variety of facilities ranging from a number of intimate art galleries to a small conference centre, a performance hall, dance studio, art and music studios, a restaurant, bar and outside deck, and a number of shops selling local contemporary and traditional art, mostly from KwaZulu-Natal.

Established in 1995, the centre is a home for all who seek support & vibrant space to develop their artistic talent for the benefit of the country as a whole. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the music, visual arts, dance, craft and literature of KwaZulu-Natal. In so doing the BAT aims to generate work for artists establishing new markets.

The existence of partnerships, internationally and locally, also plays an important role in the support of the centre’s outreach initiatives. Previously, there have been successful partnerships with the Flanders and the National

Youth Commission where the BAT Centre gained an opportunity to begin setting up the Youth Development Centre. Such a venue continues to fulfil its role in youth development programmes such as Dance, Music and Visual Art.

OUR VISION

The BAT Centre visions to be the world’s leading Community Arts

Centre for innovative development and growth.

OUR MISSION

To celebrate the arts and culture of Durban, KwaZulu Natal and South Africa by promoting local talent and skills, celebrate our unique cultures and encouraging cross-fertilization.

To create jobs for artists by sourcing talent, imparting skills and developing markets.

To act as a community cultural centre for the City of Durban, the people of the harbour.

 To become a resource to outlaying art and cultural centres and creative people.