Glenwood museum empowers artists

THERE was much excitement at the Phansi Museum in Glenwood as they hosted a graduation ceremony for 45 art students from around KZN. 

The students had attended workshops at the museum as part of a skills development programme aimed at equipping unemployed people to become entrepreneurs through art.

The programme, which began on 17 May, included workshops in beadwork, ceramics, visual arts, sculpture and how to construct and play traditional instruments as well as how to market and sell art work.

The National Art Council sponsored the programme which was free for students to attend.

“We gave certificates to all the students who have been attending workshops in all the different categories we had. The programme aimed to give work opportunities to people who are unemployed. Covid-19 has taught us so much. Since we are a museum of art, we have so many connections with people. We have decided when we get funding to spread it out and invite unemployed people to come and attend,” said museum curator, Phumzile Nkosi.

Glenwood resident, Rowen Mpangase was among the students graduating on the day.

“I am a regular at the museum. I usually go there to find out about the programmes they have on,” he said.

Also read: Phansi Museum plans to go digital in 2021

As a DJ, Mpangase was especially interested in a workshop focused on traditional African instruments, Makwayana and Ughubu.

“I got to find out more about the indigenous instruments and how they work. I also learnt how to make a ughubu. I learnt about the history of the instruments, where they came from and who played them. Understanding this helps me with where I’m going in my career as DJ,” he said.

“More people should take time to enrol in programmes like this even if it’s just a hobby. Aside from playing the instrument as an artist, you can build the instrument and sell it as an entrepreneur to put food on the table,” he said.

Visual art

Zimasa Magudu, ho worked as a visual arts teacher during the programme, said students were given a few exercises to do over the eight-day-programme. In the first week they focused on art theory, while the second week was devoted to creating art.

“I was one of two visual arts facilitators, we explored the current changes affecting the community through Covid-19. We also covered how to prepare work, frame word and how to pack work if you are travelling. We also took a tour to the KZNSA Gallery to view an exhibition where we spoke about who to talk to and how you would conduct your self if you wanted to have your work displayed at the gallery. We covered how to send an introductory email and what percentages the gallery would take, “she said.

Also read: VIDEO: Community irate after Bulwer Road wire artists fined, banned from trading

“We let the students choose their own topics and then the students presented their artwork and we had a class session where we critiqued the work, discussing the use of colours and shared ideas on how the message might be better conveyed. The idea was that we would guide the students through any topic they would like to explore,” she added.

Visual arts curator Zinhle Khumalo, who also worked as a teacher during the programme added: “We received positive feed back from the students and the general public as well. One of the students received an offer on one of his art works which was very encouraging. Not only did we enhance their skills but gave them tips on how to approach galleries and take their careers forward.”

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