09 Dec 2015

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Thapelo Olopeng, has appreciated artists’ efforts in the fight HIV/AIDS.

Officially opening the annual Nnna le Seabe HIV/AIDS Art awareness exhibition recenty Olopeng said the tittle: Nna le Seabe, rallied every Motswana to play a role in combating the scourge.

“Every individual has a responsibility not only the artist, researchers have done a lot of findings, scientists have made advances in HIV treatment, there are lawyers who had lobbied for laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition now,” said Olopeng.

He said artists in Botswana appropriately responded to the call to action hence the expressive exhibition.

Olopeng said the role of the artists in any society was important as it was a reflection of what was happening in day to day life.

“In painting, colour appeals and evokes moods that compel us to react in certain ways to abstract compositions we are sometimes not able to interpret,” Olopeng said.

He said the exhibition was a platform for artists to air their voice and contribution in fighting the scourge through varied expressions which include fine art, performing arts and literacy works.

“Art is a form of therapy, artists themselves through creation of their art make viewers get some form of rehabilitation and healing,” said the minister.  

Olopeng said the exhibition included materials and books that provide guidance in mainstreaming issues of HIV and AIDS among them targeting People Living with Disabilities and their effort in fighting the scourge. Ends