Pretoria - South African artists are expected to participate at the folk art market that attracts thousands of people across the globe.
This is part of government’s initiative to take locally manufactured craft products to the international markets.
The initiative is supported by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), together with the Department of Arts and Culture, as well as the Department of Communications (DoC).
South Africa has a permanent showroom in Atlanta which primarily showcases hand-made quality products from all the nine provinces depicting the country’s diverse culture and heritage.
According to Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Elizabeth Thabethe, this year the department has supported about 10 crafters who will interact directly with the buyers and demonstrate their art at the showroom.
They will be joined by Communications Minister Faith Muthambi and Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Rejoice Mabudafhasi.
The Department of Arts and Culture has been working closely with the Department of Small Business Development as they seek new ways to identify and empower crafters collectively to reach new heights.
“Access to markets remains a fundamental challenge for our crafters hence the partnership with the Department of Small Business Development. We can certainly achieve more if we leverage on each other’s strengths and resources,” said Mabudafhasi.
The Department of Communications and Brand SA will for their part ensure that this exceptional work that South Africa does abroad is shared with people locally.
“It is important to profile our people and their work to demonstrate that we are truly moving South Africa forward,” said Minister Muthambi.
The team will be in Atlanta from 6-9 July and then leave for Santa Fe, one the world’s greatest art market, from 10-12 July 2015.
“These platforms are part of our efforts to create opportunities for our locally manufactured products and we must continue to open markets for our small to medium enterprises including cooperatives,” said Deputy Minister Thabethe. - SAnews.gov.za
