By Thys Khiba
The Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation led by MEC Limakatso Mahasa announced, in collaboration with Vuka Arts Free State, that they will be hosting a Free State Creative Summit also known as Vukarts Creative Summit on 08-09 December 2023 at Kingdom Academy in Welkom.
However, since the announcement, the department has faced much backlash. Some critics described the event as an insult to local artists.
Award-winning artist, who is also known as multidisciplinary self taught visual artist, Ennock Mlangeni said Free State artists have a lot to offer when it comes to the creative industry, but won’t be given such opportunities so that they can share their knowledge and skills.
“There are artists like us, who have so much to offer and share. We from Free State yet you’ll never see us in such. This is pure disrespect nje,” said Mlangeni in a social media comment.
In 2020, Mlangeni made his first sale at his solo international exhibition in Genk, Belgium at around €5,028 (R100k). He made impact on the art industry with his vibrant coffee paintings after going viral for painting Nkosinathi DJ Black Coffee Maphumulo with granules of Ricoffy.
The opposition party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) claimed that the department is continuing to undermine local artists who are trying to establish themselves.
EFF Free State Caucus Whip and Member of the Provincial Legislature, Malefane Bosanku said it makes no logical sense why the department would prioritise well-known artists from other provinces.
This comes after the department announced media personality Somizi Mhlongo as the host, actor and singer Seputla Sebogodi as actor, actress Krijay Govender as director, and writer and producer Bonga Percy Vilakazi as script writer for the creative summit.
In the following day, the department announced other artists that are part of the summit, namely award-winning renowned actor, author, scriptwriter, producer and director Dr Khotso Nkhatho for the TV and film industry, entrepreneur and fashion influencer Candy Smith for the fashion industry, Frederick Tshabalala also known as DJ Ganyani and actor Sam Shale for TV.
“What type of message is being sent to the upcoming local artist who sees creative industry as their hope and a possible career path. It is the same tendencies of African National Congress-led municipalities and government departments which continues to demoralise the local artists who sees this future in the creative industry.
“The event is called “Free State Creative Summit” but the reality of the matter is that Free State artist will have a very minimal or no role to play at all in this summit because they are always overlooked. We know for a fact that even if a small portion of artist is to be included and or allowed participation in the event, it will be those ANC-card carrying artists who are always at the forefront of the ANC election campaigns,” said Msimanga.
The party urged local artists in the province to unite and demand their space in the creative industry.
At the time of publication, the department did not respond to our media enquiry.
Central News also tried to get a comment from Vuka Arts Free State representative, Vusi ‘Presss’ Sihlangu, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
FS department faces backlash over creative summit
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