THE Friends of the Art Museum, in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, have sponsored art packs for distribution among youth art groups in various communities across the metropole.
While the museum is currently closed due to lockdown regulations, the Friends decided to support local NGOs who use art to uplift the lives of kids from impoverished communities.
The Hand in Hand Visual Art Studio and ArtWorks for Youth were identified as the first recipients. The Hand in Hand Visual Art Studio is based in Motherwell NU1, while ArtWorks for Youth is located in Joe Slovo.
The Hand in Hand Visual Art Studio’s focus is on the upliftment of the community, especially the children, by providing art education and serving as a space of inspiration for the local community and tourists.
During the hand-over to the Visual Art Studio, Assistant Director of the NMM Art Museum, Emma O’Brien said the mission of ArtWorks for Youth is to provide free visual arts instruction, academic support and mentoring to local students.
“The first art packs include an art journal and drawing material. Art journals are an important way for learners to experiment and express their creativity. They also help learners to reflect on life during COVID-19 lockdown,” O’Brien said.
The Education Assistant from the Art Museum, Amanda Heshu, prepared exercises for the learners and will keep in contact with both organisations to provide support and receive updates on what the students have done.
Yamkela Vayo, a learner from ArtWorks for Youth, welcomed the initiative, saying that it would promote social cohesion within the community.
“By drawing what is going on, we can show our communities that we are not alone in dealing with this pandemic. We need these journals to express ourselves through the eyes of art.”
The Friends of the Art Museum and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum staff appeal to residents for donations of art supplies for more art packs for learners throughout the city. – REPORTER
