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07 Mar 2023

More than P85 000 has been raised through sale of 100 artworks pledged by local visual artists towards the Turkey earthquake relief.

Turkish Ambassador Ahmef Aky said in an interview that the funds were raised during an art exhibition hosted at Sanitas Gardens through the support of the 44 Batswana artists including Wilson Ngoni, Mpho Kgopiso, Ncaote Thama and Jade Moyuthu.

“About 44 Batswana artists have supported the cause and were happy that many art pieces have been sold. 

We realised that local talent is immense and we knew that everyone would want to own a piece of their art,” he said.

Ambassador Aky expressed gratitude to the artists for having come together to raise funds for the victims of the recent devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey. 

The earthquake has so far claimed 45 089 lives, leaving 115 000 people injured.

He said as part of activities to raise funds for the earthquake relief, they would also host a Turkish food market this month to give people the opportunity to taste and buy Turkish cuisine.

In an interview, Deputy Ambassador to EU in Botswana  Silvia Bopp-Hamrouni said she attended the exhibition not only to buy artworks but to also show support of Turkey earthquake victims.

Bopp-Hamrouni commended the artists, saying that by depicting Botswana’s rich culture which ranged from wildlife to village life, they showed they were proud about their heritage.

The art exhibition sponsors also included Art Residency Centre, Sanitas and Thapong Arts. 

ENDS