Few things enforce the class divide like the disparity in the quality of life between urban and rural communities. This inequality is expressed in a variety of things, from government service delivery to how people in the city seem to look down on those living in rural areas, easily throwing the popular ‘living in the bundus’ remark when referring to those outside the country’s cities. Even in the art world, one sees this.
An artist that resides and works in Phiva, in the Nkomazi Local Municipality in Mpumalanga, would have to leave their home and travel to Johannesburg or Cape Town to get recognition for their work. An initiative by Art Aid titled Asiwele – Crossing the Divide , supported by Business Arts South Africa (BASA) aims to foster collaboration between urban creative industries and rural crafting communities in South Africa’s Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng provinces. “Our objective is clear: to empower rural and urban crafters through collaboration, innovation, and marketability,” said Jan Bhuda, Asiwele project director.
“By preserving traditional crafts and fostering cultural exchange, we aim to create sustainable job opportunities for both communities.” ALSO READ: For the kids: Mahlahle app teaches and preserves African languages Collaborative curation Art Aid has curated a select group of 12 Gauteng-based creative enterprises specialising in industrial, fashion, art, and interior design, each partnered with skilled craft groups from rural tow.
