16 Sep 2015

Wabo Frank, an art teacher at Pandagala Junior Secondary School in Tutume, has dedicated his time to assisting former art students fulfil their dreams of becoming well-known artists. He started a project known as Black Fortune Artists early this year.

He said in an interview that a lot of art students end up in the streets after failing to do well enough in other subjects to proceed to tertiary institutions. He said his project existed to help them make a career out of art. At the moment, he is working with three of his former students who completed Form 5 last year and could not make it to tertiary schools.

Frank said most artists were born talented while others could learn to become good artists.

“I believe that with sufficient determination and application, everyone can become an artist,” he said.He said they organised an art exhibition in June themed Breathing Art.

They publicly displayed their work to market the project. He said that they planned to attend the Maun International Art Festival in October. He added that they were affiliated to Thapong Visual Art Centre in Gaborone. 

He said the affiliation will open many opportunities for his artists to showcase their talent, network and learn from other artists.

He noted that his artists were planning to apply for youth development funds towards the establishment of an art centre in Tutume where they can operate their business.

He said that the project is faced by a dire lack of funds. He said most art equipment is very expensive and hard to find in shops.The project uses his very limited home space as a studio.

He observed that the young artists are determined to make their project a success despite all the challenges they face. He appealed to parents to work with him and assist where possible so that their children can get a chance to showcase their art talent and even make a career out of it.

 A member of the project, 19-year-old Fortune Ntakhwa said he started participating in art competitions at primary school in 2010.He scooped position one in a UNICEF art competition. He had to produce a painting themed How Botswana Will Be in 10 Years.

Frank was his art teacher at the school. He said that he saw his potential and encouraged him to enter more competitions. He said that since completing From 5 last year, he has been looking for an opportunity to showcase his talent. Ends