Soweto - The world is hungry for South African art, said Small Business Development Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe on Tuesday.
Speaking to SAnews at an imbizo for artists and crafters in Mofolo, Soweto, the Deputy Minister said the innovation and creativity of the artwork of artists is amazing.
“The world is hungry for South African art and we are here at Mofolo because we want to come and celebrate Heritage Day,” said the Deputy Minister, adding that the venue had been selected because two artists from this area had successfully showcased their wares at Santa Fe art market in the US.
South Africa will celebrate Heritage Day on Thursday.
“Kenneth Nkosi and Pauline Mazibuko did very well at the market,” said the Deputy Minister, of the South African delegation that went to the market in July. The department had sponsored a total 12 artists that attended the art market.
The department through the imbizo also imparted information with regards to opportunities that are available to them in order to access international markets.
Deputy Minister Thabethe told the artists that government wants to assist them to succeed in their respective field. “As government we try by all means to assist artists,” she said.
Among the concerns raised by artists at the imbizo was the fact that they tend to be more appreciated in other countries than on home soil.
“As government we need to work very hard and try and recognise and appraise and let our artists be known for what they are doing. I think its upon us to do that, that’s why we are here,” she explained.
“My message to them is that we do value what they do, I recognise them and I see potential in them. I pledge to give them the support that they deserve. I saw them being taken very seriously abroad. Most people underestimate the work that they do,” said Deputy Minister Thabethe.
The Deputy Minister also expressed pride at the work of South African artists. “People are excited about our art,” she said.
Speaking of her experience in Santa Fe, Mazibuko said that her artwork was well liked as she managed to sell her pieces. “Art is taken very seriously there they like the work of South African visual artists,” she said.
Her sentiment was also shared by Nkosi who appealed to other artists to take advantage of the opportunities that government is presenting. Nkosi makes portraits using pieces of material ranging from Seshoeshoe to nylon. - SAnews.gov.za
