I have seen children’s focused eyes trained on the actors on stage, not allowing any distractive noises outside the tiny halls that dot some of Soweto’s townships to deter them as they devoured a sumptuous performance.
I have also witnessed the transformation of “difficult” children into upright citizen in their communities after they have imbibed the discipline and 100% focus in the arts. Stories about the healing powers of the creative arts are too many to chronicle here.
The arts play an integral role in shaping imagination and creativity in society. A song transports you to unforgettable moments in your life. A picture evokes thousands of emotions and can inspire a change in society. A great piece of art work or photography can spark debate and help society re-evaluate long kept values and beliefs.
During apartheid, the picture of one of the first victims of the June 16 Student Uprising, Hector Pieterson, taken by the late legendary photographer Sam Nzima, distilled the collective trauma of black people in South Africa and played a part in shaping societies’ collective memory of the apartheid state.
The City of Johannesburg has walked a challenging path in trying to keep arts and culture alive and thriving. Challenges in budget allocation, insufficient security and vandalism have made it difficult to keep valuable art spaces such as the Joburg Art Gallery in pristine condition. Budget constraints have also limited the City’s theatres ability to develop new talent.
In an impoverished environment that Joburg currently finds itself, the debate will always be “how do you allocate money to the arts when people don’t have shelter, food and “critical infrastructure such as roads is collapsing”. It is a tough balancing act that requires one to be sensitive to the needs of the people on the ground and not restrict oneself to lofty intellectual debates.
The arts is sometimes seen as a vanity project that doesn’t add value. This narrative has to change. According to the World Economic Forum, the cultural industry globally contributes $2.250 billion (about R35.15 billion) in revenue, which is 3% of world GDP and generates some 29.5 million jobs globally.
The potential for the creative industry to contribute meaningfully to the South Africa’s economy through tourism and direct job creation is immense. The City of Joburg is playing its part in reviving the cultural industry that was hit heavily by the Covid-19 pandemic. In May and June, the City’s Arts, Culture, Heritage Directorate will host several arts and culture shows.
The Soweto Theatre celebrated 10 years of storytelling and will have a yearlong programme filled with poetry, comedy, plays and music on Africa Day, 25 May 2022. Visit Soweto Theatre for more details.
Rasta the Artists, whose real name is Linda Sirenje is one of South Africa’s most controversial artists, known for painting portraits honouring South African celebrities. His solo exhibition will take place on Friday, May 27 2022, at Museum Africa.
The emerging publisher’s workshop will take place at Museum Africa from 31 May to 3 June. The workshop will dedicate time to exploring issues faced by emerging publishers in the country.
The Ceramics Development Programme Workshop from 6 to 11 June at Lieberman Studious, highlights the nuances and techniques of creating ceramics. To register for workshop contact ceramics@arts-culture-heritage.joburg
The Creative Native Vintage and Motor Show takes place on 28 May 2022 at James Hall Museum. This cultural event will present a curated outdoor vintage motor show
On 28 and 29 May 2022, Open Studious Joburg will highlight seven art buildings across the historical CBD and beyond. Shuttle services will be able to transport visitors to the different art studious. Moving with the mosaic master bus tour of Drew Lindsay’s public work will take place on 4 June. For more information please contact Mari Steenkamp on maris@joburg.org.za.
Written by Councillor Ronald Harris
Cllr Harris is the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg
25/05/2022
