Artists, collectors hail Art Activity Day

Chippa Legodimo | Thursday February 6, 2014 16:08

Visual arts have over the years been going on an upward trend.  Though in comparison to the performing arts they are still miles behind.

Government’s efforts to market local crafts both to the locals and the international audiences seem to be paying off as few are already reaping the rewards.

Some artists have either sold their works or entered competitions abroad.

Competitions like the annual craft and basket exhibition and other art exhibitions have given artists motivation. There is also the President’s Day art competition that has seen a good number or crafters come to the fore with some interesting pieces.

The introduction of Art Activity Day is another initiative that should inspire dreams among the local craftsmen and craftswomen.

On the March 1 artists around the country will get a chance to promote their works at major centres like Lobatse, Kanye, Gumare, Letlhakane, Tsabong, Maun, Francistown, Mochudi, Kang, Gaborone, Charles Hill and Ghanzi.  In the central district the activity will be hosted at Jamakata village.

Craft collector Nicola Hart of Botswanacraft Marketing sees the Art Activity Day as a good initiative for both artists and art collectors.

'It gives us the chance to meet new crafts people so we can have variety.  The artists themselves benefit because the buyers can easily access them there and make connections,” Hart told Showbiz.

Young artist Galoseitse Metlhaleng also believes such days could create the much-needed awareness of the visual arts.

'The only problem is that during such days people do not buy. They just appreciated, but it is a good thing that hosting such an activity draws them closer to us,' he said.