Voco The Bank Rosebank’s Art Butlers – specially trained hotel staff members – are offering guided tours of the hotel’s more than 750 artworks by 42 local artists.
The tours – convened due to constant requests from guests about the stories behind the striking murals, photographs, sculptures and light-led installations that are scattered through the hotel’s public areas, guestrooms and workspaces – are part of the hotel’s commitment to promoting local talent while adding value to the guest experience.
“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. 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.”
The current Art Butlers are Shanice Reddy, who usually works in reservations, and Abigail Malatji, whose day job is supervisor of housekeeping.
“The training took a day and then we were given notes to refer to. We both have our favourite artworks, but the best part is discussing the art with the guests, to find out what they like and why they like it,” says Malatji.
“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,” Reddy adds.
The casual tours last for around 20 minutes. Guests are welcomed with a beverage and the tours start on the ground floor of the hotel in the common areas, and then go up the stairs to common areas on other floors, such as along the corridors and in the new gymnasium.
Art is also displayed in private and restricted areas, and the tour includes these areas if they are not in use.
Tours are offered daily but need to be booked through reception to fit in with the working schedule of the two Art Butlers.
Many of the artworks are for sale and the art butlers can facilitate contact details of Art Gazette to buy the original pieces from the artists.
