It provides opportunities of self-employment to 300 black artists and crafters, with every purchase made contributing income towards these individuals. Of these, 80% of these beneficiaries are women, with 40% between the ages of 20 and 35 years old. Their shop and gallery at The Phansi Museum in Glenwood, Durban, professionally showcases the works of these creators on an ongoing basis.
Originally established as a programme of the South African Institute of Race Relations in 1959 known as The Durban African Art Centre Association, the centre has since 1984, operated as a non-profit organization under the guidance of the late Jo Thorpe.
The gallery showcases the best of traditional and contemporary South African art and craft, including handmade ceramics, paintings, works on paper, sculpture and embroidery. It hosts training workshops and exhibitions to promote individuals and community groups, with a focus on the preservation of traditional craft skills while encouraging innovative and contemporary trends.