22 May 2014

Artists have been encouraged to produce quality work which can compete in international markets.



Speaking at the Supa Ngwao Museum on Tuesday, May 20, Francistown Barclays Bank manager, Makamu Mapini said for artists to reach international standards, they should be committed, passionate and willing to learn more about current trends in the sector.



She said it would be a great achievement to see the establishment of business ventures between local and international artistes. Finished products should be made easily available and accessible to customers, said Mapini. 

Furthermore, she challenged the private sector to consider investing in the arts industry to ensure that it plays an important role towards contributing in the diversification of the economy.



“The appreciation of our arts and crafts is key to the continuity of our heritage, they promote our identity and express the culture of a society,” she explained.

Mapini appealed to all to support the creative industry by buying their work.

For his part, an art teacher at Shanganani Junior Secondary School, who was also the chief judge for the exhibition, Steven Chanda said he was impressed by the growing standard.


He said this year’s exhibition has been full of surprises as a lot of artistes showed enormous growth, an assurance that if artist put more effort on their work, they could achieve great things. 


Chanda said artists should avoid copying other people’s work and claim them as their original work.

He advised those engaged in drawing to avoid using expensive frames for their portraits, as it overshadows the importance of the portrait. 

He also discouraged the use of water paint on work that is displayed outside the house such as pots, as it ends up being washed away. 



Artistes who got position one from each category would compete at the President’s Day Art and Craft Exhibition finals to be held in Gaborone.



Those in position two and three would also get the opportunity to exhibit their products at the event for sale, but not for competition. ENDS