The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) partnered with the Rural Arts Development (RAD) Foundation to host the Cape Winelands Advanced Visual Arts Skills workshop in Ashton from 1 - 5 July 2013.
A group of emerging visual artists from Zolani attended the workshop, which was aimed to capacitate these artists to prepare them for a professional exhibition.
Participants were requested to bring some of their artwork to the workshop, where the facilitators could share ideas with them on how to improve their pieces. They had to prepare new artwork too, based on the Montagu Youth Arts Festival theme, Women (women who inspire, things that women love, important women in our lives, etc.).
RAD Foundation chairwoman, Ms Helen Gooderson, said that participants were taught how to prepare their work, starting with the conceptualisation. “We took them through the basic steps to plan their pieces and to eventually produce it,” she said.
Gooderson added that is important to introduce visual arts to the youth, particularly in the rural context where access to other artists is limited. “This inspires them to participate and explore the platform for performance. It also offers opportunities for sustainable career choices,” she said.
The participants gained valuable skills and were excited that their artwork was displayed at the Breyten Breytenbach Boekefees / Literary Festival, hosted by the RAD Foundation. Peter-Jones van der Berg (18), an aspiring graphic designer, learnt how to improve his sketches. “I really enjoyed the workshop. I can now confidently exhibit my artwork at future events,” he said.
The workshop provided a platform for promising young talent to further their artistic skills and to enter the professional art sector with confidence.
Tania Colyn
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za
or
Helen Gooderson
Rural Arts Development Foundation
Tel: 082 886 8023
E-mail: helengooderson@netactive.co.za