Bill Ainslie Studios, Johannesburg

The Bill Ainslie Studios was established in 1964 by Bill Ainslie, who was also known as William Stewart Ainslie, located at 6 Eastwold Way, Saxonwold, Johannesburg in a house rented from the Johannesburg City Council at the time. By 1971 the Bill Ainslie Studios had become a school with students and teachers. In 1977 it became known as the Johannesburg Art Foundation. The core idea of a school was of a network of people, artists, writers and benefactors coming together around a purpose of giving exposure as well as having a lively spirit. Bill Ainslie was a key person in the founding of art initiatives such as the Cyrene Mission Station in Zimbabwe, Federated Union of Black Artists, FUNDA Community College, The Alexandra Art Centre, Katlehong Art centre and Thupelo Workshop. His drive for social equality, was equal to his passion for the arts/