Crafters Inspired Through the Arts | Western Cape Government

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Crafters Inspired Through the Arts

28 November 2013

Droom groot. Dink groot. Doen groot.” (Dream big. Think big. Do big things.) This inspirational message appears on one of the beautiful mosaics on display in the Pop-Up Shop at the West Coast Mall in Vredenburg. The works were produced by people with disabilities who received mosaic skills training from the Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI) and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS).

The course participants, all beneficiaries of the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP), were proud to receive their certificates at the opening exhibition on 26 November 2013. The shop will be open for a week from 26 November to 1 December 2013. Unsold works are expected to be on display at DCAS cultural facilities.

A key challenge facing producers of handmade goods is finding people to buy them. Pop-up shops are a way for property owners to fill vacant premises for short periods. DCAS and the CCDI seized the opportunity to exhibit the work of these EPWP beneficiaries for a week in a busy shopping mall. As crafters become exposed to the market, it is expected that they will improve their products and stand a better chance of becoming successful.

Ms Nerine Jeaven of DCAS Arts and Culture encouraged the crafters to continue creating items of high standard. “Today we celebrate your work. Your commitment, creativity and enthusiasm can make you proud to exhibit your work to the broader public and passers-by.”

Gert Afrikaner of Siyabonga Care Village said now that he has completed the course, mosaic crafting has become his hobby. “I’m excited that I can see my products displayed in the shop. This is an opportunity for me to empower myself.”

The CCDI is expected to work closely with the crafters to give advice and guidance on developing their products. The partners are hoping that the public display of these affordable handmade goods will result in good sales for the crafters.

 

Media Enquiries: 

Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730
E-mail: annerie.pruis@westerncape.gov.za