08 Dec 2013

Promotion of arts and culture contribute to the pillar of a prosperous, productive and innovative nation, primarily through its ability to create self-employment and downstream employment opportunities for people who are not artists themselves.

This was said by Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mokgweetsi Masisi at Thapong Artist of the Year Award (TAYA) ceremony on December 6. He said government was committed to achieving its goal of vision 2016 and explained that since the arts significantly contribute to the achievement of a united and proud nation they should be promoted.

He further noted that government was doing its part to help nurture the artists by assisting Thapong Arts Centre to improve its facilities.

“A grant through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture has enabled the construction of a new integrated facility that includes modern studios for artists, and a craft shop. This in addition to the directive of local arts and crafts to be bought in government offices will go a long way in promoting local art,” said Minister Masisi.

TAYA has grown annually from the humble start of its inception in 2004 and Friday marked the 9th TAYA 2013 where 173 artworks were submitted ranging across the disciplines of drawing, sculpture, painting, ceramics, graphic design and installation.

The awards which aimed at recognizing the outstanding work of individual artists and their contribution in the development of Botswana’s visual arts, saw the winner, Ompatile Sebuelo,walking away with P30 000.

The young artist of the year award which was sponsored by DTC Botswana went to Gosego Motlogelwa taking home with him P20 000 for his outstanding sculpture artwork.

Photography was this year's best category and the award was scooped by BOPA photographer for the second time in a row, Ogopoleng Kgomoethata pocketing P5000.

There was also the media award which recognised those journalists that covered and wrote about Thapong activities throughout the year, which saw BOPA reporter Segametsi Kebonang emerging the overall winner taking home P7 500 while counterpart Phenyo Moalosi won the media photography award walking away with P 5000. The media runner up award went to Midweek sun and Guardian arts and entertainment writer, Phemelo Ramasu who also got P5000. ENDS