Great canvas for women in arts
Chinese showcase top Mbokodo prize
Women in the arts will be honoured on December 9 at the One&Only resort in Cape Town when the Mbokodo Awards sweep into town.
The biggest prize at this year’s installation is an opportunity for one of the award recipients from the 12 categories to showcase at a Chinese gallery.
This came about after a bilateral agreement between the founder and organiser of the awards, Carol Bouwer Productions, and Chineshia Museum.
The theme this year is “Applauding Women’s Excellence in the Arts”.
The categories include rising light; traditional and indigenous art; literature; theatre; opera; architecture; music; media; film and the Mbokodo humanitarian award.
Convenor Carol Bouwer couldn’t be happier with how things are going.
“We are now in our sixth year and, against all odds, we are marching ahead.
“There is a huge excitement that the Department of Arts and Culture is back on board as a sponsor. It shows their commitment to the women of this country and the arts.
“Another big scoop has been the endorsement by Art Africa, an influential publication read by power brokers in the art space.
“The adjudicators have finished the job and we have selected the 12 winners and they couldn’t be more uplifting and inspiring.”
The panel of judges is led by the legendary Shado Twala and comprises art lovers and supporters such as Vika Shipalana and Elana Brundyn former Zeitz Mocaa director in Cape Town.
Shipalana, who is a prestige director at Pernod Ricard South Africa, says she has always had a love and passion for the arts. She has been involved with Design Indaba and that got her immersed in the world of artists.
“I’ve always supported local artists and make sure their work is seen around the world,” she says.
“It was a no-brainer to partner with Mbokodo to celebrate these women who have contributed a lot in building the nation. It came as a surprise to come on board as a judge, it’s humbling.”
Bouwer says the awards are not just about talent, but commitment to building the country and inspiring others to be better citizens.
She promises a night of celebration with a smorgasbord of sounds as varied as opera, hiphop, kwaito and classical.
“It’s music that shows how diverse we are as a people and how we can deliver entertainment.”
Sportscaster Kass Naidoo will MC the event.