Eastern Cape artists and crafters have spent months preparing for the National Arts Festival, culminating in a vibrant display of goods from 211 entrepreneurs at the Village Green in Makhanda.
Officially opened on Saturday, one of its large white tents is bursting with fashion, art, ceramics and more.
Displayed within are nine craft stands representing the province: a main stand, and eight for each of the province’s six districts and two metros, Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay.
Fashion designer and Unisa master’s student Asithandile Zixesha, 33, from Qonce, said it was his first time attending with his brand, Birth Maark, under the BCM stand.
Zixesha highlighted the need for sustainability within the clothing industry and urged shoppers to support unique locally made items over fast fashion.
“The market demands elegant, luxurious fashion, and I have had to evolve in that direction,” Zixesha said.
“I am focused on producing customised, impactful and imaginative designs versus mass-produced garments.
“The festival presents a great opportunity for my brand, to understand what is in demand, network with industry colleagues, and to generate sales and orders.
“The appetite for my work has been encouraging so far. I have high hopes that I will sell all my stock by the end of the festival.”
The provincial collective craft stands are organised and funded by the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), and the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council.
“These partners fund the stands for the crafters, transport, accommodation, meals and stipends for the full duration of their 13-day stay in Makhanda, so they can focus on their core business — selling imaginative craft works and visual displays which capture the creative spirit of the Eastern Cape,” ECDC creative industry assistant Masimzukise Jack said.
“The stands are manned by 26 stall managers who are ready to take you through these emotive visual artworks which express a unique vision, ideas and feelings.
“Their participation is meant to promote quality crafts from the Eastern Cape from a diverse range of disciplines.
“We went out on a call looking for works by artists who work and live in the Eastern Cape and who have made a significant contribution to the art of the region.
“NAF is an important market access platform for our creatives to put their work out in the market and to generate the orders and sales to sustain their businesses.
“It also presents an opportunity for crafters to attract buyers from across the globe.”
Crafts were selected through a submission process, with a focus on handmade work that reflected originality and quality, Jack said.
On display are captivating artworks, clothing, beadwork, ceramics, woodwork, grass works, knitwear and leather works.
Entrepreneur Layola Ndzambo, 32, from Gqeberha, was participating in her third NAF.
She offers home décor, plush toys, and personal accessories using fibre techniques such as crochet, macramé and basket coiling.
“Being part of the provincial collective craft stand provides critical exposure for my business, allowing my creative works to reach a wider market,” Ndzambo said.
“It is also an opportunity to network, and possibly form partnerships and collaborations with relevant people.”
From Komani in the Chris Hani District Municipality, Aviwe Duba, 40, selling beads and traditional wear, is participating for a second time.
“NAF is an opportunity to showcase my work and to attract new customers,” Duba said.
“We are not only showcasing, but we are also networking and learning from our peers.
“We come across people from various backgrounds here, some of whom present opportunities to take our products to global markets.”
The National Arts Festival runs until July 6, with a variety of shows, exhibitions, stalls and happenings on offer. For more information, visit: www.nationalartsfestival.co.za
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