GCIS: Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi opens the 2015 South African Art and Craft Exhibition in Doha, Qatar

18th November 2015

GCIS: Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi opens the 2015 South African Art and Craft Exhibition in Doha, Qatar

Rejoice Mabudafhasi

Today, Deputy Arts and Culture Minister, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, MP, will officially open the 2015 South African Art and Craft Exhibition at the Souk Waqif Art Centre in Doha Qatar.

 

The theme for the 2015 South African Art and Craft Exhibition is “Jika Jika”. Meaning to change or give direction, to turn, to explore, to share, to learn, to revolve mentally, to ponder and to dance in wonder. It is also a popular term referring to a style of celebratory dancing, to up-tempo music or live band.

 

The Department of Arts and Culture and its Qatari counterpart have finalised a draft agreement on arts and culture in 2014. “The art and craft exhibition is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural relations between South Africa and Qatar, and thus promote greater people to people contact and deepen our bonds of friendship and solidarity”, said Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi.

“South Africa’s arts and culture are as varied as one might expect from such a diverse nation. The country’s people produce a remarkable range of arts and crafts, working from the pavements and markets of the big cities to deep rural enclaves, with every possible form of traditional artwork” remarked Mabudafhasi.

South Africa’s participation in this envisioned market will provide an opportunity for the Department of Arts and Culture to provide creatives with access to market opportunities through the exhibition and retail stalls as well as to provide a platform for them to share skills and exchange ideas and innovations with their Qatari counterparts.

At least three (3) crafters namely Mr Nathi Shongwe – fashion designer based in Mpumalanga, Ms Nkosingiphile Ncube – Ilala grass basket weaver from Hlabisa in KwaZulu Natal and Ms Zizipho Poswa – ceramist from Western Cape, will participate at the exhibition.

This unique exhibition forms part of the collaboration between the Department of Arts and Culture, Nandos and the South African Embassy in Qatar. More than 11 000 pieces of South African art are on display in all Nandos restaurants around the world. With seven restaurants, Nados Qatar is home to 150 art pieces of which 40 will be on display at the South African Art and Craft Exhibition.  

Another integral part of the Deputy Minister’s visit to Doha is the bilateral discussions to lay groundwork for further cultural engagements with H.E Dr Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Qatari Minister of Art, Culture and Heritage.

The exhibition will run from 18 to 22 November 2015.

 

Issued by GCIS on behalf of the Department of Arts & Culture