Grahamstown artists and crafters were busy on Saturday morning 24 January, at the abandoned Dakawa Arts and Crafts centre, rehearsing for the Eyethu Dakawa Festival.
Grahamstown artists and crafters were busy on Saturday morning 24 January, at the abandoned Dakawa Arts and Crafts centre, rehearsing for the Eyethu Dakawa Festival.
Organisers were hopeful that this would be the first of many events to help bring the centre back to life.
The Festival, organised by the Department of Arts and Culture in Sara Baartman District with funding from Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC) is meant to revive the centre and encourage artists in Grahamstown to use it.
Grocott's Mail saw dancers, musicians and crafters showcasing their talents.
Among those participating were the Siboneni Marimba band, comprising visually impaired members from Gadra Advice; the two soloists from Abancedisi Adult Choir; Masiphumelele Crafters from Extension 7 and a few traditional dancers and singers.
Grocott's Mail spoke to the new manager for the centre, Makhosi Salukazana, who said this was the start of reviving the centre to serve its intended purpose.
"We are planning to have events every now and then because we found out that the centre is under-utilised. In May we are going to have another mini festival where artists and crafters will have a chance to showcase their work," said Salukazana.
He said the centre has been vandalised because it is not being used for its intended purpose.
"We are appealing to the community to look out for the centre. It is meant for them to utilise," Salukazana said. "There are ceramic, textile and embroidery studios here which can be used to teach skills for this community; this event is going to help us change people's minds so they can see this Arts Centre is a place of skills," Salukazana said.
The event was also supported by the province.
Among the guests were Vulindlela Mona, a senior manager at the provincial DSRAC office and Hastings Mqhayi, Manager of Cultural Programmes in Sara Baartman district office.
Mqhayi said it was ironic that Grahamstown hosts the National Arts Festival but it is dead as a city in terms of arts and entertainment.
"This is an icebreaker event today. Dakawa has been quiet for a long time and today we want to resuscitate the arts centre and return it to its old glory," he said.
