Of Soul and Joy to host the 4th edition of its photography festival

Of Soul and Joy, a lasting social art initiative teaching disadvantaged youth photography skills, will be celebrating the diversity and richness of its young photographers with its fourth photography festival taking place on Saturday.

Skills development is an integral key to unleashing artistic potential and promoting economic freedom. But for many disadvantaged youth, access to the mentorship and tools required to successfully develop their artistic skills in the field of photography are out of reach.

This is where Of Soul and Joy, supported by Rubis Mécénat and Easigas (Rubis Group’s South African subsidiary), has stepped in to create a space in Thokoza on the East Rand, where vulnerable youth can confidently develop photography skills in order to open up new personal and professional horizons.

Photography as a learnt skill can pave the way for a successful career by offering youth an opportunity to shift their socioeconomic circumstances.

“Photography has the power to change perspectives, and drive economic transformation for an emerging generation looking to break the shackles of the past and change their circumstances,” says Jabulani Dhlamini, a renowned South-African photographer represented by the Goodman Gallery and Of Soul and Joy Project Manager since 2015.

“The challenge though is that many see access to photographic skills training and equipment as something beyond their reach, when in fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Of Soul and Joy offers a variety of workshops that teach photographic skills development to disadvantaged youth preparing them to follow a career in the field of photography. What would have traditionally been a career path reserved for those who could afford tertiary education is now so much for accessible through our range of programmes.”

A double celebration

For this festival edition the initiative will be presenting the recent works of the project photographers and visitors can expect a day packed with outdoor exhibitions, screenings, photo workshops, panel discussions with guests Dhlamini, Tshepiso Mazibuko, South African photographer and Of Soul and Joy alumni, Jodi Bieber, South African Photographer and performances and concerts.

An exciting launch on the day will be the Of Soul and Joy book – a stunning showcase of photography from some of the initiative’s greatest success stories.

This fourth edition will also be the occasion to celebrate Of Soul and Joy’s 10th anniversary.

Since its establishment in 2012, more than 50 scholarships have been awarded to young photographers allowing them to access higher education in photography at a university of their choice.

Many alumni are also making a living from their work and building an international career, with work being exhibited in numerous festivals and fairs globally, with some represented by both local and international agencies and galleries.

“We are thrilled to be hosting our fourth photography festival where our young artists can share the powerful images that help shape their thoughts and feelings about life, what motivates them and what inspires them,” says Dhlamini.

For those interested in a career in photography, to community members, to art enthusiasts, and the general public, the day promises to be a colourful tribute that celebrates the artistic expression and lived experiences of talented photographers primed to reap the benefits of a growing creative economy. –

For more information

Of Soul and Joy on their social channels or click here: #OSJPHOTOFEST2022