How can an arts-based idea address a pressing social challenge creatively? How can creative thinking influence, affect, or simply make us more aware of societal conditions, in our world today? How can art start a conversation? How can art ignite a vigorous debate? How can art even present a workable solution? How can art show a way to make an impact on the age of the Anthropocene?
All of the above questions are pointing towards making the potential social impact of arts projects a decisive factor that counts towards, that makes social impact central to, and the driving force of, South African arts-based practices.
Sporting events are more than moments of competition, national pride, and entertainment. They are economic activities that can stimulate tourism, create employment, support local businesses, and generate revenue across multiple sectors of the economy.
Umntwana womgquba a term traditionally used in the Nguni language that means “born out of wedlock,” but nowadays it is used to emphasise that one is born kwisintu. As lontwana, I look back on my own adventures: sometimes I pat myself on the back, and sometimes I wish I could redo them.
Each September, South Africa turns its attention to the rich cultural tapestry that defines our nation. Heritage Month is a time to honour the traditions, languages, histories, knowledge systems, customs and creative expressions that have been passed from generation to generation, while recognising that our heritage is not confined to the past.
My first encounter with heritage at the Mandela Bay Development Agency was, appropriately, somewhat uncomfortable. It began with cleaning. The Gale Monument, the Horse Memorial and the Queen Victoria statue became my first practical introduction to the business of preserving history.
