Opportunity for artists to up their skills
Mariannhill artist is one of eight interns who work with Ubuciko Creations to develop her art skills.
UBUCIKO Creations has given Mariannhill artist, Nontobeko Jilajila, a chance to explore her passion more as they embark on the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme – called the PESP3 WBE programme. The programme provides an opportunity to work in art funded by the government. Jilajila is one of the eight interns that are participating in this programme.
Ubuciko Creations is an independent organisation of arts and entertainment that offers opportunities to the youth, women and people with disabilities. These opportunities are aimed to develop the artists’ skills so they can use their talents to make a living.
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Explaining more about their organisation, Major Ndlovu said Ubuciko Creations is a response to the unemployment rate.
“Most of the very talented, skillful youth, even graduates, are sitting in their homes doing nothing because of fewer job opportunities. We believe we play a big role in fighting crime, drugs, prostitution, teenage pregnancy, etc.”
Ndlovu further explained that their main focus is the artist in rural areas as there are few to no opportunities for them there.
He said they applied for the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme as it aligns with their objective as an art organisation. “Interns are tasked to learn skills like printmaking, admin and managing projects. Under printmaking, they are advised to produce five woodcut prints, by starting with research, sketching, carving, printing and work signing,” he said.
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Jilajila said she is ecstatic to be part of this programme.
“My passion for art started in 2012. I used to go to the BAT Centre where there were all kinds of artists at work, then started doing the same work, and everyone would love my work. Later, I went to enrol for the VELOBALA classes hosted by the African Art Centre at the Durban University of Technology.”
Jilajila said her art piece for this project is spiritually inspired. “Spirituality involves the recognition of a feeling or sense of belief that there is something greater than myself, something more to being a human than sensory experience, and the greater whole of which we are a part is cosmic or divine in nature.
“The bees I used on my art piece are a symbol of new beginnings, hard work and wisdom. They are a reminder that even the smallest creature can have a big impact. The spirit animal has much to teach us about hard work, cooperation and enjoying the sweetness of life. They remind us to focus on goals and to keep working hard,” she said.
The programme started in November and will be ending in March. Participants will walk away with renewed skills and a certificate of recognition.
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