Revival of Umjindi arts and culture underway

The Umjindi Municipality in conjunction with the provincial department of culture, sports and recreation are in the process of resuscitating the arts and culture sector within the municipality.

According to Sthembiso Mbuyane, Umjindi local economic development (LED) coordinator, the aim of reviving arts and culture is to make it more vibrant.

“There is a strong potential for the sector to thrive. But first, we need to ensure that it is organised and all local artists are under one umbrella so that all activities are coordinated by one organisation which is fully supported by both the council and provincial government,” says Mbuyane.

He adds that both have agreed that the arts and culture forum in the area should be revamped and it should involve artists in all genres.

“We want to compile a database for traditional dancers, sculptors, artists, film makers, musicians, playwrights and any form of creative works. It is against this background that the council invites all local artists to register to ensure that they are known and consulted in terms of art and culture matters,” says Mbuyane.

A registration form is available at the municipality’s LED offices.

“We invite all local artists to register with us so that the process of re-launching the structure is as consultative as possible. There are benefits that government wants to give to the artists, but this is impossible if they are not organised,” says Mbuyane.

Those interested are invited to register by Friday August 22. The launch is expected to take place in the first week of September.

Enquiries: Mbuyane on 072-810-2988, 013-712-8854 or sthembiso@umjindi.gov.za