In just 25 years, Monkeybiz has elevated the art of beadwork to stratospheric levels — with the likes of Beyoncé and the V&A Waterfront begging for a collab. We caught up with this iconic organisation on the cusp of their milestone anniversary.
Monkeybiz began with a simple but powerful mission: to provide sustainable income opportunities to women in under-resourced communities. Founders Barbara Jackson and Shirley Fintz were both passionate about beadwork and its potential to empower.
Monkeybiz was set up to provide beads and cotton to women beaders, who create their artworks according to their own vision. Once completed, Monkeybiz lakes on the responsibly to market, distribute and sell the products —with the income going right back to the artist. Today, more than 250 women utilise this support system to make a living from their skill and creativity. Monkeybiz is now a celebrated non-profit known for transforming traditional beadwork into a vibrant, contemporary art form that reaches global audiences, while remaining deeply rooted in South African culture.
What is it about beading and the culture of this traditional craft that Monkeybiz is trying to keep alive?
Beadwork is a profound part of South African heritage, rich in symbolism and storytelling. At Monkeybiz, we’re not just preserving this craft, we’re evolving it. Our artists are encouraged to break free from conventional designs and experiment creatively, ensuring that this cultural tradition stays alive, relevant and respected. It’s about honouring history while empowering modern expression.
View this post on Instagram
Why is it important to keep this non-profit organisation going?
Monkeybiz isn’t just about making beautiful art — it’s about creating opportunities. It provides a reliable income for over 250 artists, mostly women, allowing them to support their families and communities. In a world where traditional crafts are often overshadowed by mass production, Monkeybiz stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and economic upliftment.
Where do these designs and creative ideas come from?
Our designs are as diverse as the artists themselves. Each piece is a reflection of the artist’s personal story, dreams and cultural heritage. There are no patterns or strict guidelines for the beading — just creative freedom. This approach allows each piece to be a true original, full of life and individuality. We do, however, provide each bead artist with the animal frames that they bead over. In the case or custom orders, they need to follow the client’s designs.
What does celebrating 25 years mean for Monkeybiz?
Reaching 25 years is a significant milestone for Monkeybiz, as we celebrate 25 years as a self-sustainable NPO. We sustain ourselves through the sales of our beadwork. It’s a moment to reflect on the lives changed, the creativity unleashed and the traditions preserved. It’s also a time to look forward, building on this legacy to reach even more communities and spread the message of sustainable, community-driven art globally.
Is there a past project that is really close your heart?
One standout project is our ongoing collaboration with the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. This six-year festive exhibition, Joy from Africa to the world, has become a cherished annual tradition. It’s a beautiful showcase of our work. growing in scale and detail each year, reflecting the strength and creativity of the artists behind it.
@monkeybizcapeOur beaded penguin, a tribute to the beauty of the ocean! Beaded in stunning hues of sea-greens, this little one carries the colors of the waves, while the intricate wave pattern cements the theme. A perfect blend of artistry and nature’s inspiration. 🌿🐧♬ original sound – Monkeybiz South Africa
Which communities are involved in the business, and are there plans for more communities to get involved?
Monkeybiz primarily works with impoverished communities in and around Cape Town. Most of our artists stem from the Xhosa community. There is always hope for growth. However, it is very important for us to know that we can support the artists we have now in a meaningful way before expanding. Most of these artists have no other source of income, so we want to ensure the artists that we do have registered are comfortable.
What is the long-term goal for Monkeybiz?
Looking ahead, our goal is to hopefully for another 25 years and beyond, with meaningful income opportunities, while pushing the boundaries of contemporary African art. We want to see Monkeybiz pieces in more homes, locally and internationally, galleries and collections around the world — all while staying true to our roots as a community-driven non-profit. In terms of a short term goal, we are currently working on the very first Monkeybiz exhibition, which will be on display for all of August 2025 at the V&A Waterfront We have partnered with the V&A Waterfront, Carrol Boyes and Coca-Cola to bring this exhibition to life. Watch this space!
By: Yashna Balwanth
Photography by: Anna Lusty, Justin Patrick
Text courtesy of Livingspace magazine
Also read: How to break these decor rules
