Afrikaburn journeys deeper into NC
AFRIKABURN’S Blank Canvas Express continues its journey into the Northern Cape this week, with visits to Upington, Olifantshoek and Kuruman scheduled for today, tomorrow and Thursday.
Described by the organisers as a participant-created movement and social experiment in decommodification, creativity, self-reliance and radical self-expression, Afrikaburn is a week-long event that is held annually in the Northern Cape, when a temporary city of art rises from the dust, attracting thousands of “participants” from every corner of the globe.
Larger-than-life, interactive artworks, that take centre stage during the event, are burnt to the ground in spectacular style towards the end of the week
Afrikaburn’s Blank Canvas Express is a journey that aims to bring the Afrikaburn culture to the people of the Northern Cape.
Coming out of the sidings for the first time this year, the Blank Canvas Express number four is headed for the Green Kalahari, with stops for school workshops, performances, music and presentations in Upington, Olifantshoek and Kuruman, thanks to funding from the National Lotteries Commission.
Beginning in Upington today, Afrikaburn co-founders Monique Schiess and Robert Weinek will present a talk and documentary at Masakhane Arts Centre in Paballelo, from 5pm, with music from Qrasvu.
This will be followed by a sunset street performance by the New Moon Collective.
Continuing to Olifantshoek tomorrow, internationally-renowned puppeteer Craig Leo will be visiting Hoërskool Langberg to conduct a workshop for senior pupils.
In the late afternoon, “Veldtopia”, hosted by indigenous leader and local resident Piet Berendse, together with Afrikaburn, will provide an array of performances and music at the Welgelee Speelpark.
Catch the Kalahari Sand Trappers, local hip hop artists, Qrasvu and New Moon Collective between 4pm and 8pm at this free event which everyone is welcome to join.
The final stop in Kuruman on Thursday involves Craig Leo leading a workshop at Hoërskool Kalahari in the afternoon and then an evening event “From Tankwa With Love” (being Valentine’s Day) at The Workshop Ko Kasi in Mothibistad.
There will be a sunset performance by the New Moon Collective, music by Qrasvu and a local artists Open Mic. Schiess will present a talk and documentary by Afrikaburn.
The event is free and runs from 6pm to 10pm.
This is the penultimate scheduled tour of five forays deeper into the Northern Cape, which has received R500 000 from the National Lotteries Commission for Blank Canvas Express arts activations.
Anyone wanting more information about the programme is welcome to e-mail bce@afrikaburn. com.