PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A breath of fresh air has been blown into the Bitou arts industry with a unique partnership which is set to provide local artists with not only business skills but also with artistic training.
The Cape Town Arts Festival, in partner-ship with the Ariva Arts Foundation and Bitou municipality, launched the African Indigenous Renaissance (AIR) Project this month. It is an arts entrepreneurship initiative designed to empower Bitou artists by bringing practical, sustainable business skills to those who might not have access to them.
The project organisers are in the process of selecting local artists to participate in a three-month intensive programme, supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture; Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme; National Arts Council; Western Cape Department of Culture, Arts and Sport; Griqua National Conference; and Tshisa Talent.
Instrument-making skills
Under the guidance of renowned African music expert and head of ethnomusicology at the University of Cape Town, Professor Dizu Plaatjies, artists are set to gain African indigenous instrument-making skills, using environmentally sustainable materials.
The programme covers the fundamentals of acoustics, providing artists with both historical insights and practical techniques to craft instruments that reflect their heritage.
End on a high note
Beyond instrument-making, the curriculum also includes business development, events and marketing management training, so that participants can start their own ventures.
The project is set to end on a high note on 21 March next year with a community celebration in Kranshoek, Plettenberg Bay. It coincides with Human Rights Day and participants will showcase their talents, engage with local audiences, and bring visibility to Bitou's growing arts scene.
'Transformative opportunity'
"The AIR Project represents a transformative opportunity for our community," Bitou mayor Jessica Kamkam said.
"Through this initiative, our artists can rediscover the value of their cultural heritage while building skills that will serve them and our community sustainably. It's more than just an arts project, it's a step towards a thriving, locally driven economy."
Tourism, local enterprise
The Cape Town Arts Festival chief executive and veteran activist, Yusuf Ganief highlighted the initiative's focus on tourism and local enterprise.
"Arts tourism along the Garden Route holds tremendous potential to uplift lower-income communities.
"By equipping local artisans with skills to create, manage, and market their crafts, we empower them to tap into the regional tourism industry and drive sustainable economic growth.
"This project truly positions local artistry as a viable, self-sustaining livelihood," Ganief said.
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