18 Jun 2023

Access Bank Mochudi branch manager Lesitamang Diswai has challenged those in the arts industry to go beyond the status quo by expressing their creativity and to  commercialise their products.

Speaking during the Kgatleng District art exhibition which paved way for the national arts festival competitions in Mochudi recently, Diswai also emphasised the  importance for artists to maintain originality in their works to avoid copyright infringement.

She said in growing their creativity, artists would create more art studios and galleries that would attract more investment both locally and globally and reduce unemployment.

Diswai encouraged artists to visit financial institutions to acquire financial literacy. She said  money won from the competitions could help them to grow their work if they invested it well.

She challenged them to register their companies to ease commercialisation and selling  of their products and skills.

“Registering your companies will open more opportunities for you and fellow citizens in terms of self-sustainability and employment creations. Let your efforts not be for the purpose of this competition but a continuous project beyond this competition,” she said.

Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture district coordinator Gobonaone Ramoupo encouraged members of the community to take advantage of the regional art competitions.

“Art is growing so much in our district, artists need to be determined to develop and grow their talent. You have to stand up and make it happen for yourselves through competitions provided to you by the government,”

Ramoupo said. He encouraged Bakgatla to brand their products in an appealing way and advertise them on the internet so that they could be purchased by international customers.

Bakgatla Deputy Paramount Chief Kgosi Bana Sekai urged artists to work together for their voices to be heard.

Close to 52 individuals competed in the regional competitions and  categories included photography, graphic design and painting.

The exhibition preceded the national arts festival competitions to be held from June 24 to July 17 under the theme: Creative industries: A vehicle for sustainable development. Ends