Thokoza gallery appeals for financial help

The lack of resources and government support for the township arts has pushed the Thokoza youth to think out of the box and initiate Paradise Gallery Market and Multimedia Arts (PGM).

PGM is an NGO formed in 2021 to help local artists in and outside of Kathorus. PGM was co-founded by the Khumalo sisters Hlengiwe Gugu and Banele Thando from Thokoza.

It was formally registered with the Department of Social Development in 2022. The organisation’s executive committee are chairperson Hlengiwe, art director Banele, accountant and financial advisor Mosa Charles Jacobs and secretary Nompumelelo Fortunia Msomi.

The pair initiated the organisation when they noticed many talented local artists struggled to find a safe space to present and sell their art. They became aware that many visual artists were required to pay to book space in galleries and share a portion of their commission with the gallery.

According to Hlengiwe, this meant if an artist had no money and the right connections to secure a gallery, they could not showcase. Sadly, with the gatekeeping and red tape in the industry many of them have to leave their township to go hustle in town, while others give themselves to drugs and substance abuse, she added.

“We want to assist emerging and independent artists gain exposure, meet potential mentors and investors and future clients. Through hosting art and entertainment exhibitions and markets without artists paying for space and commissions afterwards.

“We hope to give artists a safe and welcoming space to exhibit and seek opportunities, instead of artists loitering in the streets placing their lives in danger for those opportunities,” said Hlengiwe.

Whilst the founders thought this was a great idea to assist artists, little did they know it would be a difficult task given the financial constraints facing the NPO. In the beginning, the group struggled to find a venue to host their events.

Their first event was a fundraiser to support destitute artists with a free platform to showcase their art. It was meant to be held at Thokoza Auditorium but it was changed almost too late after the organisers were denied permission to use it.

They eventually hosted it at Sikhona bar and bottle store, however, it received very little support from the community. Light at the end of the tunnel Impressed by these young ladies’ strong enthusiasm for the arts, the community of Thokoza landed them an unused old (1989) historical building at Madondo, 276 Mdakane Street, Tokoza, Alberton after being featured in the Kathorus MAIL newspaper in 2022.

With the help of other local artists, they cleaned the old building and turned it into a gallery, where they opened the first art and multimedia arts space in the Thokoza Township.

The gallery had an opportunity to exhibit and host Professor Nhlanhla Maake, Thabo ‘Mountain’ Tsoku, Penelope Motswi, Layziehound and the CEO of Thokoza Progressive Youth, Mduduzi Tshabalala. It also had an opportunity to take part in the Creativity Pioneers cohort and made it to the final stages, unfortunately, they did not make it to represent South Africa.

According to Hlengiwe, reaching the finals encouraged them and vehemently emphasised the need for a gallery.

“The township dwellers need encouragement and the opportunity to be seen and heard. They must know it is okay to dream as a black child from the township,” she said.

Despite overcoming some challenges, PGM still needs help to keep its doors open for artists and community members. Since opening, the gallery has not been fortunate enough to raise enough donations or obtain funding to help them secure the building, renovate and pay the municipality bills.

Hlengiwe said they approached art industry personnel in hopes that they would visit the gallery and share an insight on how they can assist artists who have come out in numbers to support their initiative.

“But due to the condition of our building and where we are based we have not been able to attract people of importance outside our region as we would have hoped upon request,” she explained.

PGM would like to invite people to visit the gallery to witness the space, buy art pieces and support the artists.

“The building might be old but it holds a lot of history as today we are making a mark by opening the very first art and multimedia arts gallery. We challenge the community, government departments, private and public sector, art directors and art collectors to visit Tokoza,” she said.

Self-taught visual artist Gugulethu Masuku from Thokoza has been pursuing her career in the arts for over three years. She said showcasing her work at the local gallery has not only helped with a platform but they can learn about things they were never exposed to.

“The gallery had so much impact on my life as a soft work artist. There was information I gained from being with different artists in the same space, especially because it caters for a vast group of artists from poetry, fashion, visual arts, music, acting, TV and radio presenting. PMG hosted various programmes that we attended as artists and engaged with other people.”

She said they need the gallery to continue operating for self-taught artists like her who grew up in a disadvantaged background. Constance Mkhabe is also a visual artist, she practices using different mediums primarily charcoal and pen on paper.

She said PGM serves as a platform to expose her work to a wide audience and gain exposure and recognition. “PMG made it easier for me to showcase my work. It has helped people who knew little about art to rethink its importance in the township,” Mkhabe said.

She believes it should continue operating because it allows all creatives to express their feelings through art.

“It is a good way to connect people with diverse perspectives, it is also a platform that is used to promote vibrant culture to the community and the youth,” she noted.

Tsoku said the gallery plays a vital role in the community as it is the only existing concurrently in the township.

“It is a groundbreaking initiative to have in our township and that alone will propel it further in the future as a historic place. For me as an individual, it is important on the basis of it being a good space for township artists to come and showcase their work. The atmosphere is important,” said Tsoku.

Nkosikhona Khumalo said the gallery does not only support them as artists who showcase but it serves as an information sharing space.

He shared the story of a young boy who visited the gallery for the black-andwhite show accompanied by his supportive mother.

“The boy showed me some of his artworks and his mother did not have an idea how she could support him. We spent time with them sharing pointers on how artist make ends meet from their work and how to sharpen their skill.”

PGM is pleading with good Samaritans to help them renovate the building to make it look more appealing to the public. They are also looking for creatives around and outside Ekurhuleni who would like to assist in hosting workshops by donating their time and helping them have a firm foundation.

To support the initiative contact PGM at 071 409 6488, or email paradisegallerymarket@gmail.com. Alternatively, get in touch on social media YouTube Channel: Paradise Gallery Market, Facebook page: Paradise Gallery Market, Tik Tok and Instagram: Pgm4creatives.