Art Book Fair celebrates local creativity in Clermont

The City’s Recreation and Parks Directorate hosted the Articulation Africa Book and Art Fair at Clermont Library on May 13, bringing together artists, writers, readers, and community members in a vibrant celebration of creativity and cultural expression.

The event aimed to showcase and highlight the diverse creative landscape within eThekwini while creating meaningful opportunities for continued engagement among local creatives. Through the sharing of experiences, ideas, and knowledge, the fair sought to stimulate artistic growth, community development, and collaboration across different creative sectors.

The councillor for Ward 21, Nelisiwe Nyanisa, shared that the event is about celebrating the incredible talent of the youth and the exciting growth of libraries in Clermont.

The fair featured a variety of activities, including book exhibitions, art displays, poetry readings, literary discussions, and networking sessions. Emerging and established creatives were provided with a platform to present their work, engage with audiences, and inspire young people to explore careers and opportunities within the creative industry.

One of the attendees shared her experience of writing a book.

“The farm, the debt, the family struggles… I survived it all. It wasn’t easy, but my farm is still here. This book tells you how,” said Thanda Mbeje, an educator, farmer, and author of “My Dream Was Conceived”.

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The organisers emphasised the importance of nurturing local talent and preserving African storytelling and artistic heritage. They noted that initiatives such as the Articulation Africa Book and Art Fair play a significant role in promoting social cohesion, education, and cultural appreciation within communities.

During discussions Priya Moonsamy shared her “Dementia Activity Book”, which she said was written from love, loss and hope, for people living with dementia.

Community members, learners, and aspiring artists attended the fair in large numbers, demonstrating strong support for local literature and the arts. Participants also welcomed the opportunity to interact with fellow creatives, exchange ideas, and build networks that could contribute to future artistic collaborations and projects.

The City’s Recreation and Parks Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting programmes that empower communities through arts, culture, and education. The success of the Articulation Africa Book and Art Fair highlighted the importance of investing in creative platforms that encourage innovation, self-expression, and lifelong learning within eThekwini.