05 Jul 2016

With September being a celebratory month for Botswana’s golden jubilee milestone, Thapong Visual Arts Centre has joined the fray by hosting the Thapong International Arts Fair slated for this coming Saturday.

Speaking in an interview, coordinator of Thapong Visual Arts Centre, Reginald Bakwena said the purpose of the fair is to showcase what the creativity industry can offer and celebrate Botswana’s 50 years of independence.

“We are in a celebratory month and we want to show art lovers that talent is there in visual art,” he said.

He said different fine art and craft stalls could be acquired by those who want to showcase their merchandise.

“It is open to everyone and stalls go for P100 for Thapong members and P150 for non-members. Stalls are still available and I want to urge those that want to participate to get in contact with us,” he said, adding a lot of enquiries have come in even from people outside Gaborone.

Bakwena said it was important for artists to work together to improve the state of the market so that all could benefit from their talent.

“Another reason for hosting this Arts Fair is to show the tremendous growth we have gone through since the beginning of this year with the work and events we have hosted,” said Bakwena.

He noted that the fair would afford customers the opportunity to interact with artists.

“We have immense talent in Botswana and people should support our artists. Not just for the sake of supporting but because it is good quality art,” he said.

Bakwena further said it would be the first time Thapong hosts the fair and they expect the event to be an annual thing right around this time.

“We want to grow this event and make it into an international event and host it every year and it is open for everyone,” he said. European Union are the sponsors of the event, he added.

“We also have support from BOT50, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and The No.1 Ladies Coffee Shop to mention a few,” he said.

Bakwena further noted that there would be a kids’ corner where ‘kids can do their art with the guidance of the person in charge.’

“There will also be poetry and public education on art,” he said, also indicating that admission for the public is free. He said people can get in contact with them through 3161771 or 75048976. ENDS