23 Oct 2016

Submission deadline for this year’s Thapong Artist of the Year Awards (TAYA) is set for November 6.

With the year winding down and the country having celebrated 50 years of independence, time is nigh for the creative industry to take stock and celebrate their work.

In an interview, Thapong Visual Arts Centre coordinator, Reginald Bakwena, said a maximum of two works would be accepted for each artist and should be presentable and ready for display.

Bakwena said artworks should be original and never exhibited before.

“What artists should also note is that their works should not exceed 1.5metres in size,” he said, adding that submissions should be done between Monday and Friday from 8am to 5pm.

He further noted that artworks should be titled, have a brief rationale as well as artists’ full names and contact details at the back.

“Failure to meet these terms and conditions will result in disqualification,” he said.

Nevertheless, he indicated that artists had come a long way since introduction of the awards and thus applauded the increase in the number of participating women.

Bakwena said the future of visual arts in Botswana is entwined with how serious artists take such competitions.

“All we can do is to impart the little knowledge we have and give them unwavering support. After that, it is all up to the individual on how far they want to go with art,” he said.

Furthermore, he highlighted the need for artists to exercise professionalism in the artworks.

“Push the boundaries, put some thought in your work, challenge people and most importantly be passionate with what you do,” he said. ENDS