Arts showcase celebrates artistic freedom
“Without this democracy, some of us would still be struggling to take our art overseas to be seen by a large audience."
The smell of oil paint and the sight of creative artists created a buzz at the Rhoo Hlatshwayo Arts Centre in Daveyton during the Ekurhuleni Arts Showcase on November 30.
Painters, fashion designers, poets and stage performers from the region and Johannesburg came out to showcase their talent in the last showcase of the year hosted by the Inkwenkwezi Creative Agency to celebrate 30 years of democracy.
This follows the agency’s successful events, which included a seminar to empower small and medium Enterprises (SMMEs), an Africa Day celebration in Thembisa in May and a Youth Day career expo in Tsakane in June.
The event, supported by the departments of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation and Tourism, included theatre and dance productions, live music, a visual arts exhibition, a fashion and crafts market and a bicycle tour around Daveyton.
“It was a nice ending to the year with the 30 years of democracy theme to celebrate all the freedoms we have to display our art and express ourselves creatively as artists,” said Inkwenkwezi’s media and stakeholder relations manager Ayanda Qairo Gwele.
Gwele explained that this democracy has many benefits for creative artists because they didn’t have opportunities to exhibit their artistry in the country’s big galleries or perform overseas.
“Without this democracy, some of us would still struggle to take our art overseas to be seen by a large audience. This is what we are trying to bring to the township economies, especially in Ekurhuleni. We want our artists to see that there’s an opportunity to bring their work forward and have all the rights to showcase their talent.”
Empowerment
One of the Ekurhuleni Arts showcase’s success stories included Kingsway artist Tshepo Tsotetsi, who held a solo exhibition at the State Theatre in Pretoria and has his work on the walls of the Daveyton Mall after several exhibitions at the showcase.
“It’s a pleasure being here and being recognised for my work. It’s a great opportunity for us as township artists to showcase our talent,” Tsotetsi said.
The harsh reality of trying to build a career as an artist in SA after long hours of rehearsals worries Gwele, which is why artists should use such events as a springboard to get recognition.
Gwele said they want to see township artists make a living from their art and showcase their work at acclaimed galleries like the Goodman Gallery in Rosebank.
“We aren’t just doing this for appreciation or applause. We want to see people thrive off of their art. We want to show our parents we can make a living as creative artists. We want your gift to put you in front of kings and queens, presidents and other great people. We want artists to earn big money from their art,” Gwele said.
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