21 Aug 2014

Coordinator of Thapong Visual Arts Centre says that they are sourcing funds for the upcoming Thapong Artist of The Year Award (TAYA).

Speaking in an interview, Reginald Bakwena said the awards will be held on the first week of December on a date to be announced.  He encouraged artists to work hard on the art pieces that they wish to submit for the awards.

Bakwena indicated that they are looking to revamp the awards and increase the categories to include disadvantaged people.

He further said one of the main objectives of the awards is to give a platform to artists to showcase their talent and also win a bit of cash for their work.
“As artists, we need to look at the level we are at and see what improvements we can bring to our work and then build up,” he said.

With the newly revamped arts centre, Bakwena said the awards are entering a new and exciting phase and as such people should attend in large numbers to witness and appreciate art.

Last year’s winner of the Thapong Artist of The Year Award was Ompatile Sebuelo, who walked away with P30 000 after the ceramic sculpture he submitted came out tops.

Sebuelo indicated in an interview that he will not be competing in this year’s award.

 However, he has other artists he is mentoring who will submit their pieces and competes for the award. ENDS