TO SKIN A CAT FUNDRAISER

An evening of live music, art, illustration and photography is taking place to raise funds for a documentary film working to save Africa’s leopards. The fundraiser, taking place at Durban’s Corner Cafe on June 3, combines an exhibition with performances from Durban’s Guy Buttery and The Hinds Brothers. Artworks, each created around the theme of 'leopard', have been donated from a number of artists, illustrators and photographers from around the country and will be on sale on the evening.

Greg Lomas and Colwyn Thomas are making a film to help save Africa’s big cats. To Skin a Cat is a documentary addressing the loss of leopard populations to an illegal skin trade in southern Africa. The film follows renowned leopard researcher Tristan Dickerson who is attempting to create a high-quality and affordable synthetic fur as an alternative to real skins being used for traditional purposes.

“The film is a solution-based film and documents a really positive and dynamic approach to conservation in the 21st Century. We’re working closely with all groups involved with the use of skins, mainly the royal family and the Shembe church, to come to a solution together that works for all parties,” said Colwyn Thomas.

“Having an exhibition highlighting different interpretations of the beauty and allure of the leopard we hope will motivate people to help our film, which is working to preserve this beautiful species.” said Greg Lomas.

The campaign has gathered support both locally and abroad. “The variety of contributions from different artists to this cause will be a wonderful showcase of talent from around the country and make it a really unique exhibition,” adds Lomas

Contributors include artists Cam Platter, Bronwen Vaughn-Evans, Colwyn Thomas, Trevor Paul and Christian Mugnai. Also attending will be Tristan Dickerson from the Munyawana Leopard Research Programme.

All proceeds will go towards the making of the film which will raise awareness of the issue at hand and help put pressure on international and local bodies to make significant changes in leopard conservation in southern Africa.

The fundraiser takes place from 18h00 to 20h30 on June 3 at the Corner Café in Glenwood, corner of Cromwell and Brand Roads. Entrance fee: R50 donation. For more information, contact Greg Lomas on 084 909 1808 or visit www.toskinacat.org