Art workshop enables and empowers local crafters
Participants were led through a variety of beadwork and leatherwork accessory-making techniques based on current African and international trends.
Afropolitan Explosiv, a locally-based arts organisation, hosted a strategic development workshop with local crafters at the Newcastle Library on April 14.
The event was the first of two workshops aimed at developing local crafters in preparation for an exhibition later in the year.
Following a call from Afropolitan Explosiv, crafters were invited to bring examples of their own work. This was done in order to establish methods for refining their products and better suiting them to the market.
Participants were guided through a variety of beading and leatherwork accessory-making techniques, inspired by current African and international trends. They also had to consider how these trends might influence their work.
The workshop was led by NoBuntu Mhlambi, an experienced facilitator of community-led arts and craft projects who has showcased and exhibited works in museums in Switzerland and Cape Town.
According to research in the crafts industry, the sector employs over 1,2 million people and contributes nearly R3,4 billion annually to the economy.
“Craft provides an entry-point into the economy for under-resourced groups who are then able to develop their skills through experience, apprenticeship, and mentoring,” according to the South African government’s Cultural Industry Growth Strategy document. Craft activity serves as a low-cost training’ school’ for skills that can later be applied in the formal sector.”
The document describes the majority of those working in the craft sector as ‘women who are typically breadwinners in their households.’
“This is why, as Afropolitan Explosiv, we have identified crafts as one of our strategic interventions in serving the Amajuba District’s arts and culture community. We want to unlock value in this underserved but vital economic sector,” Nobuntu Mhlambi stated.
The programme is supported by Business & Arts South Africa (BASA) and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme.
A follow-up workshop will be held in May 2023. Individuals interested in participating or sponsoring the initiative should contact Afropolitan Explosiv on 076 721 3351 or email them at info@afropolitanexplosiv.co.za
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