Mohlakeng youth offered free visual arts training programme

Young aspiring artists from Mohlakeng and the wider West Rand have an opportunity to develop their drawing and painting skills through a free professional visual arts programme offering training, materials and a platform to showcase their work.

According to Itumeleng ‘Mamase’ Koloko, project lead and visual artist behind the Roots & Colour Project, the initiative will select 10 young people aged 12–18 for structured training funded by the National Arts Council of South Africa through the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme.

Training sessions run from November 20 to December 11, and January 13 to January 31, in Mohlakeng. All art materials will be provided at no cost.

Comprehensive practical skills

Participants will receive instruction in observational and still-life drawing, colour theory, tone and shading, perspective, three-dimensional form and acrylic painting. The programme also covers art movements including Surrealism, Cubism, and Realism, alongside practical art business skills such as writing an artist statement and CV, pricing and selling original artwork, and understanding independent practice and gallery representation.

Koloko said the project aims to give young people access to professional art education and help them recognise the potential of their creative abilities.

“I grew up in Mohlakeng,” said Koloko. “I know what it means to have talent and no access. The project is my way of making sure the next generation of young artists from this community doesn’t face that same wall. This programme is free, it is professional, and it is theirs.”

Exhibition and job creation

The 10 participants will showcase their original completed artworks at a public community exhibition in Mohlakeng in February. The exhibition date is still to be confirmed, and every participant will receive a certificate of completion.

The project is also expected to create seven employment opportunities in the arts sector, while developing 10 emerging young artists from the community.

The Randfontein Herald will publish an update about registration day. Watch this space.