Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 16 October 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to ArtWeb Africa.

ArtWeb Africa is an independent digital arts and culture publication owned and operated by Shona Technologies, based in South Africa.

We are committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our readers, subscribers, contributors, advertisers and website visitors.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, protect and share personal information when you visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter, submit editorial content or interact with our services.

We aim to handle personal information responsibly and in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).

2. Information We Collect

Depending on how you interact with ArtWeb Africa, we may collect the following information:

Personal information: Your name, email address, telephone number and other contact details voluntarily provided.
Newsletter information: Your email address and subscription preferences.
Editorial submissions: Your name, biography, professional information, writing samples, photographs, articles and other materials submitted for publication consideration.
Website usage information: Your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited and website interaction data.
Correspondence: Information provided when contacting our editorial team, requesting information or proposing collaborations.

We collect information directly from you or, where applicable, automatically through website technologies and service providers.

3. How We Use Your Information

ArtWeb Africa may use personal information to:

Deliver newsletters, editorial updates and communications you have requested.
Respond to enquiries, submissions and correspondence.
Review articles, pitches and contributions submitted for publication.
Communicate with writers, artists, galleries, institutions and other contributors.
Improve our website, content and user experience.
Analyse website traffic and audience engagement.
Manage advertising, partnerships and editorial collaborations.
Maintain website security and comply with applicable legal obligations.

We process personal information only where we have an appropriate lawful basis, including consent, contractual necessity, legal obligations or legitimate interests recognised under applicable law.

4. Newsletter Subscriptions

By subscribing to the ArtWeb Africa newsletter, you agree to receive the editorial communications described when you subscribe.

These may include African art news, exhibition announcements, artist interviews, cultural commentary, ArtWeb Power 100 updates and other relevant editorial content.

You may unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe link included in our newsletters or by contacting us directly.

We will not add individuals to marketing mailing lists without an appropriate lawful basis.

5. Editorial Submissions and Contributors

ArtWeb Africa welcomes editorial submissions from writers, researchers, journalists, artists and cultural commentators.

When submitting articles, photographs, biographies or other materials, contributors acknowledge that their information may be used for editorial review and communication.

If a submission is accepted for publication, the contributor's name, biography and relevant professional information may be published alongside the article, subject to applicable editorial arrangements.

Submission does not guarantee publication.

Contributors retain intellectual property rights in their original work unless otherwise agreed in writing. Publication permissions and editorial rights will be governed by the applicable contributor agreement or publication terms.

6. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, understand visitor behaviour and measure website performance.

Cookies may include:

Essential cookies required for website functionality.
Analytics cookies used to understand website traffic and engagement.
Preference cookies that remember visitor settings.
Advertising or third-party cookies, where applicable.

Visitors may manage cookies through their browser settings or any cookie preference controls provided on the website.

Where required by applicable law, we will request consent before using non-essential tracking technologies.

7. Sharing of Personal Information

ArtWeb Africa does not sell personal information to advertisers or unrelated third parties.

We may share limited personal information with trusted service providers where necessary to operate our website and services, including website hosting providers, email newsletter platforms, analytics services and technical support providers.

We may also disclose information where legally required or necessary to protect our legitimate rights.

Service providers are expected to handle personal information securely and only for authorised purposes.

8. Data Security and Retention

Shona Technologies takes reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration or disclosure.

Personal information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by applicable law.

Although we take reasonable precautions, no method of electronic storage or internet transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

9. International Data Transfers

Some website, hosting, analytics or newsletter service providers may process personal information outside South Africa.

Where international transfers occur, we will take appropriate steps to ensure that personal information receives protection consistent with applicable data protection requirements, including POPIA.

10. Your Privacy Rights

Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to:

Request access to personal information held about you.
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
Request deletion of personal information where legally permitted.
Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
Object to certain uses of your personal information.
Unsubscribe from marketing communications.
Lodge a complaint with the South African Information Regulator.

To exercise your rights, please contact ArtWeb Africa using the contact information provided below.

11. Third-Party Websites

ArtWeb Africa may publish links to external websites, galleries, museums, artists, advertisers and other cultural organisations.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. Visitors are encouraged to review the privacy policies of external websites before providing personal information.

12. Children's Privacy

ArtWeb Africa is a general-interest arts and culture publication and is not specifically directed at children.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children in circumstances where parental or guardian consent or another lawful authorisation is required but has not been obtained.

If we become aware that personal information has been collected unlawfully, we will take appropriate steps to address the matter.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Shona Technologies reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in legislation, website functionality, editorial operations or business practices.

Any updates will be published on this page, together with a revised effective date.

We encourage visitors to review this policy periodically.

14. Contact Information

For questions, concerns or requests relating to this Privacy Policy or the processing of personal information, please contact:

ArtWeb Africa

Owned and operated by Shona Technologies

South Africa

Email: [artwebafrica@outlook.com]

Website: [www.artweb.co.za]