Hope for KZN artists through ward-based programme
'This initiative created employment opportunities for struggling artists through platform creation, audience development, competitions, stage performance, training, and mentorship.
Speaking at her department’s recent budget speech, KZN MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation Hlengiwe Mavimbela promised to keep artists alive in the province.
Mavimbela said her department last year launched the Keeping Arts Alive ward-based programme targeting the creative sectors – both performing and non-performing.
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‘This initiative created employment opportunities for struggling artists through platform creation, audience development, competitions, stage performance, training, and mentorship.
Keeping Arts Alive created 960 direct opportunities for the industry and over
3 000 job opportunities for the creative sector,’ said Mavimbela.
Moreover, Mavimbela mentioned that the key to this programme was that the department has introduced a mobile recording studio, and this initiative is designed to provide an opportunity for emerging artists to record their singles in a professional environment.
‘Since its introduction, the mobile studio facility has recorded over 80 young artists and has visited three district municipalities.
‘We have also partnered with established producers in the province, conceptually creating more opportunities for emerging and upcoming producers and songwriters,’ said Mavimbela.
The programme has been expanded to craft, fine art and photography as the department joined forces with various retail and commercial partners.
‘Through this partnership, the department secured prime retail space for crafters, enabling them commercial and marketing opportunities.
‘The partnership has benefitted over 200 artists and crafters since its launch. After the success of this programme in eThekwini, we have begun engaging malls and facilities in other districts to expand this programme across KZN,’ said the MEC.
She stated that the department is also working with 241 ward-based volunteers who have been employed to assist local-based arts and culture organisations.
‘These volunteers are set to represent the department in various war rooms to facilitate ward-based arts and culture programmes.
‘The department further partnered with the provincial federation of artists CCIFSA to roll out a joint programme in community art centres across the province, through various talent searches,’ she added.
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