17 Oct 2017

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTCL) Foundation is set to continue working hand-in-hand with Thapong Visual Arts Centre with a reported sponsorship of over P300 000 for the Thapong Artist of the Year award (TAYA) and phonebook competition this year.

Speaking in an interview, BTCL corporate communications manager, Golekanye Molapisi said their relationship with Thapong goes way back.

He indicated that BTCL Foundation values the role of visual and fine arts in Botswana, hence the continued relationship between the two parties.

“We value the role played by this industry in our everyday life and we understand that for it to make a significant difference and meaningful contribution in people’s lives, we have to play our role as well,” he said.

He said art is not only pleasing to the eye, but can also be used to address serious issues such as poverty eradication and also creating employment.

 “In the past, when people thought of art, they usually thought it was a hobby and artists are just messing around without any intent, but these days it can be a livelihood that feeds families.

We need to get to a point where art becomes synonymous with business,” he said.

Molapisi noted that BTCL is a Botswana company and art is one aspect where the corporation gives back to the communities its operating within.

“BTCL Foundation is looking to nurture and grow talent in the arts,” he said, adding that TAYA is aimed at recognising and rewarding the professional artistry in Botswana.

“With the phonebook competition, we aim to focus and target young artists in schools and giving them a platform to announce themselves on a bigger occasion and rewarding them for their efforts,” said Molapisi.

He indicated that both TAYA and the phonebook competition would be held on the same day with the date still to be communicated.

“BTCL Foundation wants to be at the forefront of playing a leading role in encouraging this craft,” he stated.

For his part, Coordinator of Thapong Visual Arts Centre, Reginald Bakwena said BTCL Foundation’s continued involvement in the visual and fine arts sector is a welcome development and they should be applauded for their efforts.

“The fact that BTCL as a private entity recognizes the need to sponsor the arts should be commended and this should further encourage other private sector players to come onboard,” said Bakwena.

He said government cannot go at it alone with regards to growing the arts and helping the country diversify its economy from an over reliance on minerals.

“The arts have for a longtime been neglected and I am really happy that BTCL Foundation has extended its involvement with this sector,” he said, further adding that the foreign exchange that the arts bring can have a significant contribution to the economy if nurtured properly.

Bakwena said BTCL Foundation’s involvement in TAYA and phonebook competition has rejuvenated artists’ commitment and excitement in art. ENDS