BOOST FOR NW ARTISTS

 BOOST FOR NW ARTISTS

Harriet Manamela in a media interview during the hand-over event. Photo: Edith Mogapi

By : Vusi Kama

Grassroots artists and cultural workers in the North West got a much-needed shot in the arm last week when the provincial Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) and the national Sports, Arts and Culture departments handed over arts equipment and recording studio equipment to 28 deserving entities from across the Province.

Under the auspices of the North West Federation of Community Arts Centres (Nwfcacs), the community entities received equipment ranging from laptops to drums, keyboards, stage attire, stationery and studio hardware and software, among others. The hand-over event was held at Mmabana Mafikeng.

The idea is to empower art centres across the province to give opportunities to budding artists in rural and urban environments to produce the next generation of homegrown stars.

Amongst those who attended in support of the initiative Mzantsi’s top thespians, Harriet Manamela (of SABC’s Skeem Saam ) and Nthati Moshesh (BET’s Isono). They both expressed their enthusiasm for the support given to artists.

“My career as an actor has its foundation in Mahikeng,’’ said Moshesh. “I support what is happening today because it’s going to give opportunities to the youth to flourish in the arts. I encourage the youth to take care of the equipment and make use of it.

“What is happening today is proof that the youth has the support of the community. So the youth are not on their own.’’

Significantly, Manamela has been roped in by ACSR to criss-cross the Province, holding workshops and providing training to youth at the Community Arts Centres.

ACSR MEC had a word for the youth and arts representatives attending the event. “There is plenty of talent in the North West. This equipment will help unveil more young artists. It is important that the youth takes care of the equipment.’’

The chairperson of the Nwfcac’s, Banele Faku, was over the moon about the government’s contribution to the work of the community arts centres.

“We are very happy with this contribution, as it will make our work much easier. It’s proud moment for us. We want to continue to work closely with government officials to help our children in the Province advance their careers in arts, or at least participate in the arts.’’

In implementing arts and culture programmes, the Nwfcac’s will be working closely with Mmabana.