Gasebalwe Seretse
2 July 2009
The coordinator of Thapong Visual Arts Centre, Reginald Bakwena, has urged journalists from both print and electronic media to support the visual arts by giving them all the necessary exposure. Speaking to Mmegi, Bakwena said yesterday that the media is a vital cog in the promotion of the arts.
For the third year running, the media award has been part of the annual Thapong Artist of the Year Award and this year, the reporter who has given the arts centre exposure is going to walk away with P 5, 000 cash prize.
"We as artists in Botswana have realised that as far as the visual arts are concerned, there is lack of documentation, so there is need to partner with the media in the documentation of our works," said Bakwena, adding that they as artists are willing to guide and teach journalists how to interpret artwork.
Bakwena said that his organisation has hosted a number of art forums and he hopes the next one will take place just before the awards.
"People read papers and it is important for to work with the media so that we promote art.
Art critics forums are important in that they help equip journalists with tips to interpret exhibitions and works of individuals better so when a reader reads an article, he or she will be able to decide if the mentioned exhibition, or artwork, is the kind that will be of interest," said Bakwena, adding that the reason they have increased the prize money this year from P 2, 000 is to lure journalists to cover them.
In another development, Bakwena said that he hopes that this year, there will be more entries as he has sold the awards to enthusiasts in places like Maun, Francistown and Molepolole.
The categories too have been increased with each winner walking away with P 15, 000. The categories are painting, printmaking, sculpture, pottery, photography, drawing and media.
"Capable, committed and competent judges will be appointed by the Thapong office to select and give prizes to the best artworks in terms of creativity, technique, quality and presentation," he said.
Bakwena further said that he is hopeful that he will be able to secure all the money that he needs for the awards soon and urged all the artists to get their artworks ready ahead of the August 15 deadline.
He said that like others before them, these awards are open to members only, so everyone should check whether their membership has expired or not and that those who are not yet members should apply before the deadline.
Bakwena warned that the judges are going to be strict.
"In this year's Thapong Artist of the Year Awards, the main objectives are to promote art appreciation by the public, to increase the standard in the quality of art being produced in Botswana and to encourage artists to challenge their creativity outside the box," he asserted.
Last year's winners were Neo Matome, Abednico Sechaba and Kefilwe Mokopane who won position one, two and three respectively.
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