(Pic by Rajesh Jantilal: Tholakele Gumede with Kizo Marketing Manager, Zola Mjoli)Perfect one-stop-shop opportunity to see some top class craft work. (Report by Caroline Smart)
Just opened at Gateway is the Retail Art Development (RAD) Programme. First presented three years ago under the auspices of Kizo Gallery at Gateway, this provides a perfect one-stop-shop opportunity to see some top class craft work from around KwaZulu-Natal.
I haven’t seen artist Joseph Manana around for a while so it was good to meet up with him again and see that he is passing on his skills to a small group of students whose work are on display. Obviously beadwork and visual art forms a strong component of RAD but there are also some very interesting stands offering blanket-ware, basketry and leather work.
The one item that particularly impressed me is a beautiful bead necklace (R600) created by the diminutive Tholakele Gumede. Despite her disability – her crutches are nearly taller than she is – she is bright, pro-active and obviously highly talented with a special flair for design. I asked Kizo Marketing Manager, Zola Mjoli, to model her necklace (pictured) with her, so that its intricate work and skilfully–chosen colours reminiscent of a peacock’s tail could be better displayed.
RAD is fast securing its position as one of the most valuable development programmes in the arts and craft sector in South Africa. Now in its third year, the RAD Programme aims to identify and support local, KZN artists and crafters from rural and city areas, providing them with market related skills training and retail opportunities to derive income on a sustainable basis.
This programme is supported by The Department of Economic Development and Tourism and KZN Integrated Craft Hub in association with The Department of Arts Culture Sports and Recreation, eThekwini Business Support and Markets Unit, and Kizo Art Consultants. The eight day RAD expo held in April over the Easter period was an overwhelming success with exhibitors achieving sales and orders in excess of R1, 5 million.
The current RAD Art & Craft Expo is planned to coincide with the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and runs at Gateway Theatre of Shopping until July 5 in the Climbing Wall Area of Expo Explore and the Promo Zone at Ster Kinekor.
This Expo will allow locals and tourists alike the rare opportunity to meet and purchase directly from over 90 crafters and artists, with 100% of all revenue going directly to them. For more information see www.radprogramme.co.za or phone Njabulo on 031 566 4322 or 083 771 3635.- Caroline Smart
Posts
