27 Jun 2018

Botswana Society for the Arts chairperson, Jakes Motlhabane has advised handicraft artists to form an association that will advocate for better pricing of their products. 

Motlhabane said during the handicraft exhibition that consumers still lacked knowledge about pricing of handicraft saying it was time artists speak with one voice regarding the value of their products and the price tag it deserved. 

“Handicraft artist are not paid according to the value of their products. If art could be bought according to its pricing, it could help address unemployment and help diversify the economy,” he said. 

As much as government is supporting artists, he said they too should also improve their level of professionalism for their customers to appreciate the price attached to their products. 

MAA/Lentsweletau youth principal programmes officer, Moeti Godisamang encouraged Kweneng handicraft artist to unite and work together, saying their voice would be more strong as a team. 

Godisamang urged handicraft artists to take advantage of available government programmes to improve their lives. 

Giving the project overview the exhibition facilitator, Onica Lekuntwane said the workshop was attended by 25 artists who specialised in woodwork, beadwork, textile, painting, and pottery from Kweneng district.

She said attendants were imparted with skills on financial literacy and the need to have separate business and personal account. ENDS