adminThe one-week programme started on Tuesday and is set to reach out to gifted artists from different communities so as to nurture their talent at a tender age.
Unlike the previous years, this year’s programme was revamped as pupils were given an opportunity to take part for free and the platform was also extended to western suburb schools.
The programme comprised pupils from Mawaba Primary, Ingubo Primary, Petra Primary, Whitestone, Camel, Eveline High, St Thomas and Dominican Convent.
In an interview, resident artist and facilitator of the programme Brian Kumira said the programme started with pupils familiarising themselves with the lecture room.
“The programme started on Tuesday and pupils from various schools were familiarising themselves to the lecture room and also loosening up through a number of activities.
“This year’s programme has been revamped in the sense that services are being offered for free and the platform has been extended to western suburb schools unlike last year when it was mainly private ones,” Kumira said.
Kumira also said the programme would also be extended to rural areas such as Tsholotsho and Nkayi where less privileged yet gifted artists lack basic necessities to pursue their talent in art.
The facilitator also bemoaned how art has been neglected as a subject in schools, which has led to a vacuum in the arts industry.
“With funds permitting, the vision is to fill that vacuum that has been created in the arts industry so that it gets the recognition it deserves.
“The Gallery would also keep a record of such programmes so that students partaking in the programme will in future have a point of reference,” he said.
Hloniphani Mandave, a Grade Seven pupil from Ingubo Primary, said the programme was fun and helpful as it gave him a chance to showcase his talent.
Kyra Bent from Centenary Primary School said the programme was helpful, as she could now differentiate the various types of art.
“I have learnt a lot of things and since we started our activities I got to appreciate what other pupils have been doing at their schools.
“Brian also taught us a lot on famous artistes,” said an excited Bent.
Charles Mkonongo from Mawaba Primary said he also learnt a lot about the history of artists in art.
“I have learnt a lot about the history of artists and the different kinds of art,” he said.
National Gallery exhibitions officer Clifford Zulu said Art Attack was a component of the gallery’s Khula Udweba initiative, which was set to instill a practical art experience in young gifted artists.
“Art Attack is a component of Khula Udweba initiative and the vision is to nurture gifted artists at a tender age.
“As a gallery we will continue pushing such an initiative to promote the appreciation of art by children from a young age,” he said.
Online Reporter