28 Jan 2016

The art industry is growing rapidly and it is events such as ChillStepSundays that have and will continue to shine a spotlight on artists and their talent. With the success of his Pop-Up Shop Market event, Thabo Drew Letsebe-Chadhall has been busy with another of his concepts called ChillStepSundays, an event that happens every last Sunday of every month.

Come this Sunday at Stanbic Bank Piazza, located at Molapo Crossing Mall, the event will be on its 7^th edition and it has been quite a journey for the young Drew.

Speaking in an interview, Drew said the event was in the past held at a small venue, but that they have since moved to the bigger Stanbic Bank Piazza when demand from both artists and attendees went higher.

“This will be our second event at this venue,” he said, adding that it was also held there last month.

He further said the initiative was created to help develop Botswana’s arts and give artists a platform to promote and sell their craft free of charge.

“Our artists have been given a back bench for far too long and it is time they start being at the forefront of things,” he said.

“Last month we had six artists and two designers selected to take part and 300 people in attendance,” he continued. He added that the feedback was amazing as artists managed to make sales.

Quizzed on how they got sponsors for such an awesome initiative, Drew indicated that unfortunately they do not have sponsors.

“We do everything from our pockets and rarely make profit. We wish sponsors  could jump on board and help grow the initiative as it is a national thing. Unfortunately, sponsors that have approached us either wish to rip us off or dilute the concept to benefit their brands and we do not want that. However, we wish to thank those who have stuck with us in kind: Alpha Events, Stanbic Bank Piazza, Big Show, Audio House, Yarona FM, Native Events and BlackTie Events. 

They have helped make a few things easy for us,” said Drew.

Drew further said artists can inbox their page at Facebook.com/ChillStepSundays or email info@popupbw.com to register to be listed and currently everything is free from registration to exhibiting.

Speaking on plans for the future, Drew said he and his team are currently working on a small gallery shop at Molapo Crossing which opens late February.

 “We will do openings and even private exhibitions for young talent.  We will have community services around Botswana and do all we can to promote the artist and contribute to our arts and culture,” he concluded.

People who wish to attend ChillStepSundays will have to part with P30 to enjoy the art on display and are encouraged to show support by buying art pieces on display. Ends