UMSIZI NOPENDE’S JOURNEY OF CREATIVE EMPOWERMENT

2024 UMSIZI NOPENDE THEME – “LOOKING INTO THE PAST, PRESENT AND THE FUTURE”

Umsizi NoPende stands as a beacon illuminating the power of strategic partnerships and visionary initiatives in the realm of arts and culture. Birthed from the creative minds of Isthuli-Sasengweni, this project finds its strength in collaboration with the City of Ekurhuleni’s Visual Art & Galleries Section of the Sport Recreation Arts & Culture Department as well as expressive support from Gert Sibande Municipality. This project is not merely a creative endeavour, but a robust business model aimed at driving tangible outcomes for visual artists throughout South Africa.

Since its inception in 2022, Umsizi NoPende has embarked on an extraordinary journey of growth and influence within the artistic community. Emerging from humble beginnings with 43 artists in the vibrant Gauteng province, the project has rapidly expanded, embracing a total of 91 artists by 2023. This remarkable growth, representing a 112% increase, mirrors the transformation from a seedling to a flourishing tree, signifying the project’s capacity to ignite passion and nurture talent within its fold.

UMSIZI NOPENDE’S SPECTACULAR RISE IN 2024

As we delve into the 2024 instalment, the momentum of Umsizi NoPende intensifies further, underscoring its burgeoning influence and relevance. The recent open call, spanning from January 8th to February 9th, 2024, drew an impressive cohort of 266 visual artists hailing from both Gauteng and Mpumalanga. This surge reflects a staggering growth rate of 192.31% compared to the previous year, affirming the project’s ascendancy and resonance within the artistic community.

In this latest cycle, Umsizi NoPende strategically channels its efforts into five distinct artistic mediums: Printmaking, Painting, Drawing, Photography, and Mix Media Collage. Moreover, the project’s commitment to nurturing talent extends beyond mere participation, as evidenced by the comprehensive skill transfer program, the five (5) days Funda Training Program/ Workshop. This training workshop program, is tailored to the needs of emerging artists, imparts invaluable insights into visual arts professional practice and cultivates essential entrepreneurial acumen, equipping participants with the requisite tools for sustained success.

The apex of the 2024 Umsizi NoPende journey culminates in the eagerly anticipated Contemporary Group Exhibition. Scheduled to commence on April 13, 2024, and run until May 31, 2024, this landmark event serves as a vibrant showcase of creativity and innovation. Moreover, the Grand Opening promises an enriching Awards Ceremony, where exemplary artists will be duly recognized and celebrated for their contributions, both to the project and the broader artistic sphere.

Integral to the realization of Umsizi NoPende’s ambitious vision is the unwavering support of the National Lotteries Commission, whose generous funding underscores the pivotal role of public backing in fostering the growth and sustainability of artistic enterprises in South Africa. Indeed, this partnership exemplifies the synergy between cultural enrichment and economic empowerment, reaffirming the transformative potential of the arts in our society.

In summary, Umsizi NoPende epitomizes the convergence of artistic excellence, strategic innovation, and sustainable growth. Through its steadfast commitment to fostering talent, nurturing creativity, and facilitating economic rehabilitation, the project emerges as a beacon of hope and opportunity for visual artists across the nation, transcending boundaries and catalysing positive change within the cultural landscape.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF TOP 20 FINALISTS & ARTISTS

uMSIZI noPENDE VISUAL ART PROJECT – “LOOKING INTO THE PAST, PRESENT AND THE FUTURE”

uMsizi noPende Visual Art Project, is a brainchild of Isthuli-Sasengweni Arts & Craft Organization in its 3^rd year running, funded by the National Lotteries Commission. This artist development programme is hosted in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni’s Visual Art & Galleries Section within the Sport Recreation Arts & Culture Department as well as expressive support from Gert Sibande Municipality.

We are delighted to announce 2024 top 20 and finalist of uMsizi noPende Visual Art Project. Artists and photographers participating in the of the project were invited to interpret the theme “Looking Into The Past, present and Future”. A total of 267 online entries were received for this year’s open call. Out of these, the selection panel selected 25 works from the digital entries based on their artistry, skill, and adherence to the requirements. All the 25 selected artworks will make up the final exhibition at the City of Ekurhuleni’s Springs Art Gallery and will be available for purchase.

ON THE SELECTION PANEL:

Thabo Sekoaila (Curator visual Arts: City of Ekurhuleni)

Nomcebo Cindy Sithole (Curator visual Arts: City of Ekurhuleni)

Thamsanga Mfuphi (Contemporary Visual Artist and a member of Isthuli Sasengweni Arts & Crafts Organisation)

Molefe Twala (Independent Visual Artist/ Curator and co-founder of The Arts Company Soweto)

Thabo Motseki (Independent Visual Artist/ Curator and co-founder of The Arts Company Soweto)

Palesa Suthane (Founder of The Grand African Art Society and Independent Art Curator)

Thabiso Mtsweni (Cultural Officer: Gert Sibande District Municipality)

FINALISTS (TOP 20 Artists)

The judges have selected the following finalists, in no particular order;

Tshogofatso Nkhumeleng
Nthateng Poppy
Tshegofatso phore
Falida
Ofilwe Madamane
Mulunga Mbedzi
Michael Selekane
Bheki Sibiya
Omphile magatwe
Sinenkosi Msomi
Katlego Mosia
Hoek Swaratlhe
Themba Minya
Kwandiwa Dlwati
Anushka Kempken
Thulani Gankca
Given Muronga
Cameron Lee Olivier
Mpho Mothuntsi
Tshepo Matlamela

These 20 selected artists will attend a five (5) days Funda Training Program and Workshop at TACS (The Arts Company Soweto), Constitution Hill, Braamfontein, Johannesburg on 26 February – 1 March 2024. The prime focus thereof, is to build on these Artists’ knowledge of this visual art project and to offer practical information relevant to developing their careers, to equip artists in the Visual Arts professional practice and creative entrepreneurship training. Attendance of training is compulsory. Participants will be paid a daily stipend to attend the workshop.

The winners of the 2024 uMsizi noPende Visual Art Project will be announced at the award ceremony on, Saturday, 13 April 2024 at the Springs Art Gallery at 12pm. The following prizes will be announced: Gold Prize (R20 000.00), Silver Prize (R12 000.00), Bonze Prize (R8 000.00) and The Public Voters’ Choice Prize (R10 000.00). Viewers can vote for their favourite work in The Public Voters’ Choice Prize. 

All the 20 selected artworks qualify to be nominated for the Public Voters’ Choice Prize. The nominee with the most votes receives the award. The result is final and is solely determined by the public without any input from Isthuli-Sasengweni Arts & Craft Organization and its partners. The award will be for the Artist who interacts with the public during the voting campaign. The Public Voters Choice Campaign is set to run online from 11 March 2024 – 12 April 2024.