Thapong is the Mecca of Botswana's creative artists

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Friday October 15, 2010 00:00

When you get to Thapong, you are greeted by sculptures, which signify that it is a place for art.The coordinator of Thapong, Reginald Bakwena is celebrating these achievements.  He said the centre has grown phenomenally over the years, noting that Thapong has made a huge impact on the development of art in the country. 

Thapong was established in 1989.  During that time, Bakwena said, there was not so much interest in art.  And to compound the problem most parents were obviously not encouraging their children to study art at school. 

Bakwena recalled that during its initial days, Thapong used to hold workshops for artists in places like Kanye. In 1999, the centre acquired a building at the Gaborone Village, which was donated by the National Museum and Art Gallery. 

It was in this building that Thapong accommodated local artists who opened their studios at the centre. Thapong also started to stage exhibitions and even hosted visiting artists on exchange programmes. Bakwena, who joined Thapong in 2003, said one of their dreams is to unearth young talent.  To this end, he believes that they have winners.  He said they have managed to get aspiring artists to work with the veterans. 

One of the products of Thapong is Joseph Piet.  Bakwena said when he came to Thapong he had some 'unrefined skills'.  But now Piet has become one of the most promising artists due to the experience and training that he gained at the centre.  While the artist is the focus, the centre is also a platform for community interaction. 'People had to learn that art is important.  We had to make sure that people appreciate art.  Now Batswana buy our art because we have imposed art appreciation on them,' he said.

The Thapong membership has also grown significantly.  Initially the centre had about 100 members but currently there are close to 500. 

Bakwena, who is also a renowned artist, said they have devised tailor made programmes, which are aimed at attracting artists. They have also introduced the Thapong Artist of the Year to recognise the contributions of artists. 

Bakwena said artists appreciate the efforts that the centre is taking to develop them.  'Artists feel that we are taking them seriously,' he said.

The coordinator said Thapong by itself is a motivating factor of artists.  'They feel important when they are here,' he said.

Bakwena said as artists they are gaining the recognition even from the corporate sector.  He said they have attracted big companies, which have been sourcing art works from Thapong.  One of the companies that are utilising their services is the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC).  There have also been companies that are funding the centre.

Thapong is not only getting support from the private sector buy even from the government as well.  This follows a directive issued by President Ian Khama that government departments should buy art works from local artists.  Many artists at Thapong have benefited from this initiative.

Bakwena revealed that government has spent around P1 million on local artists.  To him, this is money well spent, noting that the money has gone to people in the streets and in a way unemployment is also reduced.

'We are lucky we have a president who supports art.  We should come up with constructive ideas so that he continues to support us,' he said.   However, Bakwena still feels that there is much room for improvement as far as the industry is concerned.   He called for the establishment of a National Arts Council (NAC).  He said most of the countries in the region have such a council but their economies are not as good when compared to Botswana. 

'Namibia attained independence in 1990 but they are doing very well as far as arts is concerned.  Through the National Arts Council we can talk about infrastructure.  The number of artists has increased significantly but we do not have galleries.  The only gallery is at the National Museum.' He opined that if there is some infrastructure for arts, it could make a difference in the lives of artists. To him infrastructures like galleries can also attract tourists.

He said in places like Harare, Zimbabwe, where they have abundant infrastructure, they are able to host art shows. He acknowledged government's support, but noted that more still can be done to support the arts.

'We also need to develop professionally in terms of art in order to compete internationally. We have some young Batswana who are very good, but we need to be develop them.  We need a big art centre.' Bakwena further opinioned that more funds should be injected into arts.  He said if the art industry is developed it can also assist in diversifying the country's economy.

Bakwena believes that Thapong has made an impact.  But the greatest challenge is funding. 'We need funding.  My appeal is that people should put money into art,' he appealed.  'If we invest in art, it will reduce the rate of unemployment.  People will be creative.'  The Thapong coordinator said local artists should also consider putting their art on the international market.  'We should start networking as artists,' he said.

Bakwena said they want to upgrade Thapong so that they could accommodate more artists. 

The centre is providing studios to artists although there is a limited space. To Bakwena, Thapong has become a home for many artists.

 'We organise workshops where artists are able to exchange ideas with others.  We also target the out of school youth.  We give artists an opportunity to exhibit their work.'

Another service that Thapong is providing for artists is to source a market for their goods.  Bakwena said people have become aware that when they want to buy a piece of art they can always find it at Thapong.

On Bakwena's wish list is Thapong satellite centres in places like Francistown and Maun.