OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
In a boost for artists and the arts and culture sector, the V&A Waterfront is establishing the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance – an arts incubation and development programme for fresh, young creative talent.
The V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance incubation programme, now open for applications, aims to provide ongoing support for young artists. It follows on from the success the V&A has achieved with its other incubator programmes, including the Buskers Programme and, more recently, the Makers Landing incubation programme.
The new incubator will focus on fine arts, design, film and illustration in a partnership with Between10and5. Bubblegum Club will be the creative partner.
“Between 10and5 has long been in the business of showcasing creative talent, and it is an honour to collaborate with the V&A Waterfront to grow and develop talent,” says Annel Malan of Between10and5. Adds Jamal Nxedlana of Bubblegum Club, “There is a feeling among young Cape Town creatives that most initiatives and support programmes are based in Joburg. This is why we’re especially proud to be part of the team that’s helping to bring the Artist Alliance to life.”
“Young creatives need a nurturing ecosystem – a safe space in which they can easily access information, develop essential business skills, and connect with likeminded creatives, markets and industry leaders,” says V&A Waterfront marketing executive Tinyiko Mageza.
The V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance is designed to provide 10 incubatees with experience and skills across the five creative disciplines of fine arts, photography, film, illustration and design. The selected young creatives will learn essential business skills, such as marketing, pitching for new business and running social media platforms.
The mentors are leading creative industry experts: multidisciplinary artist Atang Tshikare; Celeste Arendse, designer and founder of clothing label SELFI; artist duo Mrs + Mr Luke (Al Luke and Faatimah Mohamed-Luke); photographer Earl Abrahams; street artist Nardstar*; and senior curator and head of curatorial affairs at Zeitz MOCAA Storm Janse van Rensburg.
“I believe it is the responsibility of those who have experience and knowledge to share that knowledge with those who seek it,” says Faatimah MohamedLuke, one of the first mentors to sign on. The mentors will guide two mentees each through a two-month programme to help them find their unique creative voice, sharing their own experiences and offering both real-world advice and practical support. waterfront.co.za