Serowe braces for art and crafts market day
Chippa Legodimo | Friday June 26, 2015 18:00
The event takes place at the old Western Primary School, which has been turned into a youth centre.
The event will be held at the end of every month and the organisers are hopeful that interest in the arts in the region will grow following the initiative.
Botswana Visual Artists Association’s Samuel Tlhaudi says they were also hoping the market days will in future attract tourists.
“Batswana generally do not buy art, especially local art and Serowe is not excluded.
“We have another scenario of artists who do not put enough effort, maybe because they are discouraged by the poor sales.
“At times people develop a certain attitude towards something because it is not properly marketed to them,” he said.
Tlhaudi, who is a metal sculptor, also said that the event affords artistes an opportunity to learn new techniques and as well as networking.
“I have to be honest, some of our artists’ s works are not that impressive, but there are those who are really talented. “Most are self-taught and it shows in their work. I have seen good art works from schools around Serowe and they are impressive. “It would be good for those operating from homes to show up. Coming together will help improve the standard,” he said.
He noted proper strategies were needed to help artists improve their craft and make their works available to the people.
Tlhaudi also observed that many locals were showing less interest in crafts such baskets.
“We need cultural exchange programmes where we can expose such items to a different market.
“Our baskets would be attractive but remember these are the items we grew up using and they tend to look all the same.
“Sometimes I do not blame locals when they rush to get foreign art because it provides something they are not accustomed to,” he said.
He said that foreign tourists liked keeping art pieces from Botswana as souvenirs.
This, he said, explained why often it was foreigners buying local crafts.
Tlhaudi said that Serowe’s heritage history could also get good exposure through the art and crafts market days. “The village has a rich history, some of which is captured in the art works. “Our event could help attract tourists to the village who would like to share in the history,” he said.