The Nelisa Mzimela
Legacy Foundation (Mzimela Foundation) is hosting the 4th INK Arts Festival
from August 22 to 29, 2015. The festival is an arts, culture and tourism
development project; established by this organisation and founded by Nelisa
Mzimela four years ago. The festival boasts itself as a uniquely
multi-disciplinary festival; covering various forms of performance arts; fine
and visual arts; and, for the first time this year, the vision of promoting
culture and tourism within the INK area will be a significant feature at this
year’s festival.
The festival seeks
to create multiple platforms for both the emerging and professional artists to
showcase, promote and expand their artistic, creative and innovative work. And
for SMME’s - more in particular youth-owned cultural, tourism and other related
businesses - the festival presents an opportunity for them to gain exposure;
knowledge and expand their business network. The festival is open to all. Local,
regional, national and even international submissions are accepted.
There is a variety
of activities and events offered at the festival. In commemoration of the 60
years of the Freedom Charter; the theme for the festival for the year is Human Rights for All.
For the first time;
the festival will host a photographic exhibition, under the theme of Human Rights for All, which will be
launched on the Opening and Awards Night Ceremony on August 22 at Ntuzuma A
Hall. Three young photographers- Sbusiso Ngcobo, Busani and Lungani - went out
on a mission to capture images in and around the community; to tell stories
through the lens of a camera. There will also be an Opening Theatre Production
titled: Cry and Stop written and
directed by a female emerging director, Phindile Mngadi. The story sensitively
explores issues of sexuality; gender; inequalities, violence and self-love and
appreciation.
The Opening Night
will feature Headline Artist, Ms. Classic aka Bongiwe Msomi; local Kwaito group
called Speed-Trap; Newcomers: Urban Trains (Hip Hop), Samaraiza (Poet/Guitarist),
Gospel sensation Sandile Khawula, Contemporary and Traditional dancers and The
multi-talented, previous recipient of the INK Artist of the Year 2014 Award,
Ferrero Le-Poet who will deliver a performance, before the announcement of the
INK Artist of the Year 2015.
The Opening Film
for this year; Miners Shut Down will
be screened before the end of the event. The ceremony will close with a uniting
performance by reggae artists Rainbow Man.
This year’s
festival was made possible by its key partners: EThekwini Municipality (Durban
Metro) and the Department of Arts and Culture of KwaZulu-Natal. The festival
also welcomes and appreciates previous and new associate partners and
contributors: GCIS, K-Cap, KUMISA, SAMRO, PANSA, VANSA, Catalina Theatre, Twist
Theatre Development projects, Durban Green Corridor, African Rhythms, OASIS Arc
Dance Company, KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre, TVP, Publicity Matters and
EKhaya Guest House in Ballito.
The team
responsible for the artistic, creative and business organisation and
coordination of this year’s festival includes festival director Nelisa Mzimela,
festival coordinator / emerging theatre director: Motaung Koalane, technical: Oliver
Amisi and Sphamandla Nomandla and photographer Sbusiso Ngcobo, as well as
festival assistants Lungani Majola, Siyabulela Mlama and Amanda Mzimela.
Tickets R30 on
Opening Night (strictly no under 13’s). Tickets R30 to see up to five,
back-to-back theatre shows at K-Cap on August 23; Tickets R250 for the INK
Tourism experience.
Tickets R50 for the
Closing Night Ceremony which will take place at an undisclosed venue. General
access and R100 VIP access. The rest of the activities, events, exhibitions,
shows and screenings are all free of charge.
For bookings or more information contact the festival organisers
office hours: Nelisa Mzimela on 078 609 5201; Motaung Koalane 0n 060 439518;
and Oliver Amisi on 074 629 7491 or e-Mail: mzimelalegacyfoundation@gmail.com
Also follow on Facebook: INK Arts Festival and Twitter: @NMzi_Foundation
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