Officially opened on Saturday, 27 June, Village Green features nine craft stands from the Eastern Cape, comprising a provincial stand and eight district and metro stands representing the province’s six districts and two metropolitan municipalities. On display are captivating visual artworks, clothing, beadwork, ceramics, woodwork, grasswork, knitwear and leatherwork.
The provincial stand has something for everyone – thought-provoking, whimsical, subtle, bold, minimalist, vintage, fragile, meticulously crafted, striking and unconventional. The provincial collective craft stands are organised and funded by the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC).
“These partners fund the stands for the crafters, as well as their transport, accommodation, meals and stipends for the full duration of their 13-day stay in Makhanda, allowing them to focus on their core business – selling imaginative craftworks and visual displays that capture the creative spirit of the Eastern Cape. The stands are managed by 26 stall managers who are ready to guide visitors through these emotive artworks that express unique visions, ideas and feelings.
“Their participation is intended to promote quality crafts from the Eastern Cape across a diverse range of disciplines. We issued a call for works by artists who live and work in the Eastern Cape and who have made a significant contribution to the region’s creative landscape. The NAF is an important market access platform for our creatives to showcase their work, generate orders and increase sales to sustain their businesses. It also presents an opportunity for crafters to attract buyers from across the globe,” says ECDC Creative Industries Assistant, Zimbini Moshesh.
Moshesh says that for this year’s provincial stand, selectors reviewed submissions and chose handmade craftworks that are well executed and demonstrate exceptional quality.
Festivities on Saturday commenced with the official opening of a Visual Arts Exhibition showcasing the remarkable works of 32 Eastern Cape visual artists at the Albany Museum in Makhanda.
An initiative of the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC), the exhibition features an impressive collection of photography, paintings, drawings and sculptures.
Since its inception in 1997, the exhibition has provided a valuable platform for local artists to showcase their talent and expand their reach. Participating artists are also being supported to exhibit at leading national creative platforms, including Decorex Cape Town and Decorex Johannesburg.
Now in its fourth year, the photography segment of the exhibition, presented in partnership with the ECDC, features the work of young women photographers from across the Eastern Cape. This focus aims to encourage more young women to pursue sustainable careers in photography. The photography component is further supported by the Market Photo Workshop, a subsidiary of the Johannesburg Market Theatre.
The 32 artworks on display were selected through a rigorous adjudication process conducted between 15 April and 25 May.
A first-time participant at the National Arts Festival, Mthatha’s Yolanda Bana of Linamandla Khaya Crafts is one of two creatives representing the OR Tambo District craft stand.
Her business, established in 2023 after leaving her job as a casino dealer, produces beadwork and apparel. Her handcrafted beadwork is used to accessorise earrings, necklaces, bracelets, headbands and a range of other items.
She hopes the National Arts Festival will help grow sales and create new collaboration opportunities.
“I am hoping to use this platform to market our creative works and generate new business. The intention is to build supplier networks, grow my customer base, increase orders and sales, while learning from other creatives at the festival. People are already showing interest in my work, and I hope this marks the beginning of sustainable relationships,” says Bana.
Now in her sixth year at the National Arts Festival, award-winning Gqeberha designer Sinesipho Nkqwiliso of Sine Measured Beyond Infinity says this year’s edition has got off to a great start after selling all four of her Ubuntu-branded wrap apron skirts, each priced at R4,500.
“I make evening dresses, skirts, tops and all kinds of apparel. I have also ventured into handbags. Currently, the most popular pieces are from the Ubuntu range, which is selling out quickly at the festival. I have Ubuntu beaded T-shirts and Umbhaco skirts.
“Participating in the festival over the past six years has helped grow my business and increase sales. I now have international clients from Italy, the Netherlands, Malawi and Zimbabwe, among others, through this platform. I am always grateful to partners and funders such as DSRAC, ECDC and ECPACC, who continue to support the creative sector in the Eastern Cape, helping us grow and remain competitive in a demanding economic environment,” says the fashion design graduate.
