This four-week pilot programme was structured around a series of workshops, excursions and finally an exhibition of the artists' work which is entitled This is Me: A right of passage. The exhibition gives participants an opportunity to showcase their work and what they have learnt,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
'The Emerging Artists Programme is a City initiative aimed at assisting under-resourced emerging artists based in Cape Town to access opportunities and build capacity. It focusses primarily on artists who’ve not had the benefit of resources, training and exposure as a result of historic inequality and under-development,' said Councillor Badroodien.
The programme is broken up into two opportunities that are instituted to create sustainable, structured development and continuums for local emerging visual artists from previously disadvantaged circumstances.
These mainly focus on space (exhibition) and support which includes mentorship and networks; and training and development.
'During the early stages of their careers, artists often face financial stress and struggle to access resources. This programme has given artists the necessary tools and the practical skills to help them leverage opportunities,' said Councillor Badroodien.
After the exhibition at Zeitz Mocaa, the exhibition will be moved to a number of other venues to expand the artists' exposure including at First Thursday events.
