A PRESTIGIOUS national craft competition will give South African crafters a wonderful opportunity to showcase their work.
Organised by the creative team that conceived and for over 10 years has presented the iconic Innibos National Arts Festival, the craft awards will pull together a diverse range of judges who all have one thing in common – a passion for developing South Africa’s creative talent.
These industry giants will use their years of experience to select from among the entries a collection of works that any international gallery would be glad to house.
Entries – consisting of photo submissions – have opened and close at the end of March. South African artist and curator of the festival, John Anthony Boerma, explains that the panel of judges will then select the best entries to be exhibited at the Innibos National Arts Festival to be held in the Lowveld capital of Mbombela in July.
The winners will be announced at a glittering awards evening. The winner of the Platinum Award will receive R50 000, the Gold Award winner will pocket R30 000 and the Silver R15 000. There will also be merit awards for the Best Emerging Craftsmen, along with sound financial advice to grow their business. In addition, a Craft Retail Apprenticeship with Tourvest Destination Retail will be bestowed on one of the winners.
Craftsmen who marry their cultural heritage with contemporary sophistication and technical skill to create unique and unforgettable works of art, will be recognised. Entries in the disciplines of ceramics, bead work, wire work, wood, jewellery, paper, fabric painting and printing, quilting, leather work, pewter, glass work, embroidery and mixed media are invited.
Crafters wanting to enter need to only send a photo of their craft work to Jan Bhuda on 083 719 1731, along with their name and surname. To give judges an idea of the size of the work, they must place a standard matchbox next to their creation when taking the photo. Photos may also be emailed to John Anthony Boerma at artaid@lantic.net.
For information, contact Jan Bhuda on 083 719 1731 or e-mail John Anthony Boerma at artaid@lantic.net.
