Artists vow to regroup and excel
ALEXANDRA – Alex artists want to repurpose their trade.
Alex artists want to tell their own story to fend off the negativity about the trade caused by those without an inkling about its nuances.
According to Sipho Gwala of Alex Arts Kollective, “Non-artists pretending to know our needs continue to fail us and also, politicians can’t be expected to speak for us eloquently when as leaders, they fail to fight for Alexandra which is regressing comparatively with other townships.
“Art is a skill, profession and language used, known and deciphered by those gifted in it, to create social cohesion which Alex requires but will not get when the artists are misrepresented.”
Gwala said this while talking about the organisation put together by artists in his ward (Ward 116) as an umbrella for a symbiotic struggle with others to re-purpose the profession. “Soweto’s art community is vibrant because its members are active.
“They have claimed their territory, use the profession to profile and seek solutions to the township’s challenges and, use music also like therapy for healing and meditation. This while also putting food on the table through it.”
He said they, as a movement, will fully exploit their talents to raise awareness on most challenges starting in their ward and using music, dance, visual art and filming. “We will partner and collaborate with other fellow artists to amplify our messaging using the edutainment platform to build the community.” Gwala anticipates the regrouping to revive the dying profession, teach each other and encourage talented youngsters to regard it as a profitable profession. “We intend hosting regular arts-related gatherings including an arts festival in December.”
The group is currently rehearsing and choreographing for the event through, among others, a multidisciplinary confrontational theatre piece showcasing among local social ills caused by unnecessary confrontations and excessive use of force between residents and authorities. He referred to this as akin to a ‘police state’. They intend featuring the play at the Grahamstown Arts Festival.
They will also run workshops for talented children and youth in most art genres from contemporary to Afro-fusion, dance and theatre. “We will help them deepen their creativity and use the art for self-healing and self-cleaning through meditation.”
Likening it to sports, his colleague Brian Mthembu said the arts is one of the few platforms which spoke to the youth. “It helps them to release stress, benefit from its therapeutic effects and to mimic established artists as they develop themselves into professionals.
“Its a language that builds social cohesion and, not a hobby but a worthy and profitable career.”
He urged local artists to tell their story more regularly through structured engagements in community centres and schools in the evening. “This will keep the children engaged productively and off the streets.”
Related article:
Alexandra Theatre and Dance Network elects its first office bearers
