voco is an IHG Hotels & Resorts property that prides itself on its impressive art collection (boasting more than 750 murals, photographs, sculptures and light-led installations), its support of local artists (the current collection represents 42 local artists), and its unique ability to bring guests and staff together through in-house art tours.
Now, in response to many guests asking about the hotel’s intriguing artworks, voco has launched informal guided tours of its art collection. So far two staff have been trained up as ‘Art Butlers’, to offer these tours to interested guests.
Art Butlers at your service
“We are so excited about our Art Butler project,” says Jessica Redinger, general manager, voco The Bank Rosebank. “It fits in with our mission to be different and innovative, while still charming and friendly. Other hotels do have art collections, sometimes with concierges, but we are the only hotel where we have trained up staff members to be Art Butlers.”
Shanice Reddy, who usually works in reservations, and Abigail Malatji, whose day job is supervisor of housekeeping, are enjoying their new role and the opportunity it presents to share and learn more about art.
Malatji says, “The best part is discussing the art with the guests, to find out what they like and why they like it.”
Shanice agrees, “It’s the interaction that is so nice. That for me is the best part. Each tour is different. Most of the time we have really informal chats about what the guests like, and it gives me some insight as well. I have been taught the background and the story behind each artwork, but sometimes the guests also know quite a bit and then I also learn from them.”
The tours begin with a welcome beverage, after which guests meander through the common areas appreciating the artworks on display. Sometimes private and restricted areas are included, if they are not in use. Each tour lasts roughly 20 minutes and bookings are required, to accommodate the two Art Butlers working schedules.
Location, location, location… and art
Ideally situated in Rosebank, the heart of Johannesburg’s art district, voco’s beautifully curated art and interior are the result of collaboration between the design and architecture team as well as art curator Morné Visagie, co-founder of Art Gazette. Artworks can also be purchased through Art Gazette.
“The art in our hotel is not just an afterthought. It is very much a part of the look and feel of the hotel, so it makes sense that we have used the art to bring our staff and guests closer together – all while promoting our awesome local art,” adds Jessica.
Laurice Taitz, publisher of online newsletter Joburg In Your Pocket, says, “Art has been part of Rosebank for a long time and has contributed to creating Joburg’s most walkable and attractive district, from the Edoardo Villa sculpture at the entrance to voco The Bank to the incredible display of outdoor sculpture at Keyes Art Mile. And along with neighbouring Parkwood it shares the highest concentration of art galleries in Johannesburg.”
The name, voco, originates from Latin and means ‘to invite’ and ‘call together’ – and its new art tours are another way to do just this.
For more information on voco, visit www.vocohotels.com.
