Art Aid proudly announces Asiwele – Crossing the Divide, a pioneering initiative supported by Business Arts South Africa (BASA) aimed at fostering collaboration between urban creative industries and rural crafting communities in South Africa’s Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng provinces.
This transformative project will culminate in a spectacular exhibition hosted at the Women’s Jail, Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, on July 11 and runs until the 21 July
Asiwele – Crossing the Divide represents a significant effort to unite the rich heritage, indigenous knowledge, and skills of rural crafters with the innovation and market insight of urban designers and industry This initiative is strategically designed to empower crafters, enhance economic opportunities, and establish a sustainable ecosystem for the craft industries across the region.
Art Aid has curated a select group of 12 Gauteng-based creative enterprises specialising in industrial, fashion, art, and interior design, each partnered with skilled craft groups from rural townships in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. Through these collaborations facilitated by Asiwele, innovative, sustainable, and marketable products will emerge, poised to launch into local, national, and international markets.
“Our objective is clear: to empower rural and urban crafters through collaboration, innovation, and marketability,” said Jan Bhuda, Project Director of Asiwele. “By preserving traditional crafts and fostering cultural exchange, we aim to create sustainable job opportunities for both communities.”
The exhibition at the Women’s Jail, Constitution Hill, promises to showcase the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design elements. Attendees will experience first-hand the unparalleled artistry and ingenuity resulting from these collaborative efforts.
“Asiwele – Crossing the Divide” is a celebration of South Africa’s diverse cultural tapestry and a testament to the transformative potential of collaboration and creativity. Join us on July 11, 2024, at 4 pm, as we embark on a journey of empowerment, collaboration, and cultural preservation.
Some of the collaborations will include:
- Courtney Hodgson (of Kif Kak) designing accessories with Nkosinathi Hadebe (of Nazo Accessories) with Letty Jiyane (of Dalagubha) doing beading.
- Sizwe Hendrick Eksteen (of Sizwe Creations) tailoring and embroidery with Emma Vhengani (of Tambani Muswodi) and Selena Mavhetha (Tambani).
- Nomfundo Biyela (of Yeyeb Shop) beading with Asive Lata (of Bead Up) and Cristinah Twala (of Khanyisani Bomma Trading).
- Lebohang Tsinyane (The Modern Us) creating home accessories with Sylvia Molathendi (of ifa craft) with dyeing and sewing.
- Ndivhuwo Mathase (Mukonazwothe Fashion Design) with Suzan Makatu (of Mukonazwothe Fashion Design).
- Tshepo (Nice Touch) doing Splash Art.
- Yoliswa Dlamini (Rare Spaces Studios) creating furniture with John Nkosi (Power of JZ) doing wood carving.
- Karabo Nkosi–Molefe (Kays Casa Décor) doing candle making with Certinah Kashane (of Mukondeni Pottery) creating ceramics.
- Tebogo Motshabi (Hood Snob) painting with Erick Dakie Manganye (if Creative Corner).
- Shermina Motlhasedi (of Shemet Jewellery) creating wire jewellery.
- Lesego Lekgoe (of Segosi) creating Fine Jewellery with Golden Mashego (of Lesego Ceramics) specialising in recycled beads.
- Gloria Sibuyi doing beading with Sharlotte Mabunda (Vuako Beads Business Enterprise).
- Glorinah Mabaso (Renaissance Design) doing Interior Design with Kaross Embroiderers.
- Ndindani Lala Palm Project creating Woven Ilala Palm work with Angelina Maseku – who also creates Woven Ilala Palm
- Thando Nxelewa will create furniture with John Nkosi on Wood Carving
- Zondi Skossana – Painting
- Sophie Mahlangu – painting and beadwork with Visual Artist Gordon Froud.
