More than an art exhibition instead a movement aimed at empowering artists in Soweto and beyond through dialogue and safe digital spaces.
Movements often begin with a manifesto, a declaration of intent, identity and purpose. Wom{b}_anifesto is a project will that will explore who we are as queer and female creatives in the global creative landscape. The need for innovation that has arisen as a result of social distancing has allowed us to be closer in unimaginable ways. Now, more than ever, we are (and need to be) connected to use each one's platform to create opportunities for one another. The project will present workshops for emerging artists and an exhibition at the historic Funda Centre.
Wom{b}_anifesto forms part of a research project aimed at documenting the journey of creative women in South Africa. The output will be a non-fiction book featuring interviews and stories, their challenges and what the future holds. Content curator Vuyolwethu Reoagile (Graphoflux) will write, curate the content, and produce the anthology. Ilze Wessels (OTYNet) will curate the physical and virtual exhibition. Mahlohonolo Chalatse (Bala le Rona) will lead the workshops component as well as community engagement. Wom{B}_anifesto is one of six projects selected out of 80+ proposals for Goethe Institute’s Goethe-Institut Project Space (GPS), a funding programme aimed at creating multi-disciplinary roving project spaces.
The workshops will be facilitated by various artists from 19 April 2021 to 01 May 2021, the exhibition will take place on 01 May 2021 and will also be online. Finally, we will also create a publication documenting the workshops process and interviews with the featured artists which will be launched on 16 May 2021.
Eight workshop participants will also feature in the exhibition as part of a growing concept known as the Gallery Tree. The Gallery Tree is a dream space that combines emerging talent and established talent to dream, learn and exhibit with one another. We envision this as a concept that begins in South Africa but is accessible across the world and we will certainly open it up to international opportunities, audiences and creators.
Although eight participants will be selected to physically participate in the workshops and the exhibition - they will be available online for the general public. We have invited artists to share skills, knowledge, and strategic insight into the business of art and creativity. Their wealth of expertise will also allow participants to make more informed decisions. The core of any industry is mastery of one’s craft and further being able to access opportunities. We feel that these eight workshops will result in creatives who have the necessary knowledge to grow their careers, acquire new skills, and become part of an expansive network. If you’re interested in participating in the workshop - you can apply here: https://forms.gle/nvAWuesfca5vXrJ16
There will also be an opportunity for emerging creators to sell their work as we will engage in a strategy to interact with art investors to buy work that participants would like to sell. As the funding aspect grows, the exhibition will also travel to various locations.
Featured Artists
Each artist will be invited to deliver their personal manifesto, physically or virtually, as well as deliver a workshop in the areas. A limited audience will be invited in line with social distancing regulations in place at the time. The artists featured will include [each hyperlink leads to their Instagram Profile]:
Saylahasee, Musician and Performance Artist
Phumzile Buthelezi, Visual Artist and 3D sculptor
Robyn Field, Visual Artist
Vuyolwethu Reoagile, Writer
Kamogelo Tselane, Animator and Game Designer
Megan Ross, Poet and Digital Artist, East London (SA)
Oliver Pohorille, 3D Artist, Cape Town
Lulu Mhlana, Photographer, Cape Town
Ilze Wessels, Artist, Architect, Curator
Partnership ~ Innovation ~ Connection
We are constantly seeking new connections, partners and possibilities for new funding. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist, we believe that Wom{b}_anifesto is a platform that accommodates artists across disciplines and levels. For further interviews and information, please email us at wombanifesto@gmail.com or send us a WhatsApp message on +2764 535 0816. Follow our growth on Instagram: @wombanifesto and our website: Womb Anifesto
Co-Founder & Project Manager: Vuyolwethu Reoagile (+27 84 567 8351)
Co-Founder & Lead Curator: Ilze Wessels (+27 82 362 6952)
