Droves descend upon 1 000 Drawings

The mass art exhibition for charity saw the science museum transformed into a gallery and party venue, with more than 3 000 drawings, graffiti and doodle-battles, DJs, bands, food and drink.

Event creator Felix Frankenberger said, “We were humbled by the enthusiasm and dedication of the public… The ideas and quality of drawings we received were amazing, if not revolutionary, and made this event possible in the first place.”

Of the more than 3 000 artworks, 1 275 were sold. A percentage of the profits from the sale of food and drink was added to the amount, which made it possible for a grand total of R170 000 to be donated to the event’s chosen beneficiaries.

The three charities supported by this year’s event included Paballa ya Batho, Mmabana Foundation and Intuthuko Embroideries.

Paballo ya Batho project co-ordinator Samuel Mugambe said, “I thank all the people from all walks of life who donated their drawings, and those who came in big numbers to buy the drawings. The money raised will be used for our feeding scheme and skills development projects for the homeless people in the inner-city of Johannesburg.”

Mugambe also thanked the 1 000 Drawing volunteers, University of Johannesburg students, the Rag Committee and the Wits Medical School students.

Frankenberger said that, while the event was primarily a fundraising initiative, it was also about ‘democratising’ art.

“It is art by the people, for the people. In this way, artists were invited to express their talents on the night, across various platforms and mediums,” he explained.

This year’s event saw roaming tattoo artists who drew on those willing to offer their limbs as canvases. Chalk artists created a massive artwork as attendees watched, and in a crowded courtyard, seven of the nation’s best graffiti artists had an hour to create their graffiti masterpieces.

Once the artwork sales had been concluded, bands Impande Core, Carri Wolfe and The Stellas took to the stage, and DJs Pasta, Ultra-Mel and Pizo and JT kept feet tapping between the bands’ sets.

A happy Frankenberger thanked Sci-Bono for the free use of the centre, event sponsors, as well as the volunteers, those who hosted drawing drop-boxes, and those who donated artwork.

Details: 011 781 0439; www.1000drawings.co.za