Artists of the North set to sharpen skills

GALE NGAKANE
Correspondent | Wednesday March 24, 2010 00:00

The coordinator of Thapong, Reginald Bakwena said it was time artists in the North got the same exposure enjoyed by artists in the South.

'We are trying to build the spirit of visual arts in the North. Most things happen in Gaborone, but it is high time we covered all arts of the country and it is what we are doing by coming to Francistown.

'Another thing is that we want to unite artists in this part of the country to help expose their talent. Talent is something that does not have to be hidden, hence we are trying to expose it,' he said.

Bakwena said they have since found out that artists in the North lack certain skills, and whenever they meet with those from the South, they seem to lag behind.

Another objective is to build awareness of artists in the north among the public and the business community. The Saturday exhibition will be held also as a way of exposing the artists to the public and the business community.

Barclays Bank of Botswana, who are sponsoring he workshop are also to make a presentation on the importance of saving and banking in general. Another presentation will be done by the Botswana National Productivity Centre (BNPC) to sensitise artists on issues of productivity.

Veteran artist Veli Ndaba, who will is the resource person, said the artists are going to be taken through the art steps, which begin with drawing.  'In drawing they will be doing silhouettes, which will be followed by contrasts, and thereafter, they will do painting. We want to instil in artists that for them to be able to be proficient in art, they must stat with drawing and then graduate to painting,' said Ndaba.

Artists Mmegi spoke to said they were happy to be part of the workshop, adding that it will give them the necessary exposure.Francistown-based Cyril Ndolo said the workshop will help him to network with other artists 'Such workshops are good because they help us to grow as artists. We are being empowered. I think we also need a Thapong branch in Francistown,' he said who added that his association with Thapong goes back to 2005.

Galethabe Olemogeng from Tonota said there has been a migration of artists from the North to the South as a result of lack of facilities and necessary assistance to help them grow and he felt that with such a workshop, the movement of artist may be stemmed.

'In the long run, there will be no need for us to move to Gaborone as we will be getting what we want right here in Francistown,' he said.