Are you looking to experience visual artworks which have an emotional impact, expressing a unique vision, idea or feelings? Interested in work that tells a unique story through a well-executed medium of visual art?
Or you may be interested in exploring the mastery of a tangible skill and functional goods which serve a purpose?
Then make your way to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum in Gqeberha where more than 100 visual and craft artworks from creatives from throughout the Eastern Cape are on show.
This year’s edition of the Lithuba Lakho Competition and Exhibition runs from 20 February to 22 March, giving creatives an opportunity to improve market access for their products. Cash prizes are also on offer for the development of their craft. It is also an avenue for artists to measure the quality of their products in relation to their peers and to source new talent.
Officially opened at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum yesterday evening, 20 February, this year’s edition of the exhibition and competition responded to the energy on the ground. It reflects young voices through partnerships with universities. On display are artworks ranging from traditional beadwork pieces to oil paintings, ceramics, textiles and printmaking.
The exhibition and competition is an initiative of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality through the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum and the Red Location Art Gallery.
There are also cash prizes up for grabs for the top creative works across six categories - three for visual art and three for crafts. There is a R15,000 first prize, R10,000 for second and R5,000 for third, which will go toward the development of the businesses of the winners.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue promoting the selected works.
ECDC Regional Manager for the Gqeberha region Vuyo Zozi says the ECDC is currently building partnerships in national and international creative spaces. The Lithuba Lakho Competition and Exhibition platform will help to identify opportunities to promote and exhibit Eastern Cape visual art talent.
“We went out on a call looking for works by artists who work and live in the Eastern Cape and who have made a significant contribution to the art of the region. The call-out was open to all artists 18 years or older. This is a critical platform to broaden market access opportunities for the creative industry in the Eastern Cape. The ECDC is committed to help creatives to improve the quality of their products, productivity and their global competitiveness.
“The ECDC also provides opportunities for local creatives to take their products to global markets. We provide support to creatives such as export licensing getting them ready for the rigours of the export market. The ECDC also recognises the job creation ability of the creative industry. This is a collaborative exercise involving partners such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, the Nelson Mandela Bay Art Museum and the Red Location Art Gallery who have lent their expertise to make this a memorable display,” says Zozi.
