On Saturday, 25 February, rural-based crafters from around the Vhembe region got to showcase their creative work during an arts and crafts awards function, initiated by a non-profit organisation that supports artists, the Afrika Tshipembe Artists Support (ATAS).
The purpose of the function, which was held at the Khoroni Hotel, was to give recognition and encouragement to local craftsmen and -women. The winners were awarded cash prizes and trophies.
Mr Hulisani Mbambale, chief executive officer of ATAS, said their organisation had been started in 2020, shortly after the outbreak of Covid-19, which had deprived many artists of their livelihood. They not only support crafters, but all types of artists, from painters to musicians.
"The organisation was funded by the National Arts Council to implement a project for marginalised crafters, through which we help them to create more jobs and to transfer their skills to the next person," he said.
The awards function presented five different categories, namely Visual Art – won by Mr Nndwamato Tshivhandekano; Wood Carving and Sculptures – won by Mr Owen Ndou; Traditional Beadwork – won by Ms Rofhiwa Mushiana; Pottery – won by Ms Makwarela Makahane, and Crochet Design – won by Ms Tshikhetho Muroka.
The winners in each category went home with R5 000. The runners-up each received R2 000 and R1 000 respectively.
Mr Vincent Netshivhodza from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture told the crafters that his department, who preserved and promoted art, was excited to see them exhibiting their products.
Mr Nndwamato Tshivhandekano, winner in the Visual Art category, is a sketch artist and painter. He was thankful to ATAS for recognising their craftwork and said the awards definitely inspired him and the others to do more.