By Nangamso Mabindla
27 October 2005

DRIVEN by a desire to unearth artistic talent in Duncan Village, the new Art and Design Co-operative, aimed at people living in and around the impoverished township, is staging an art and design competition.

The co-operative is an organisation that aims to deal with social development in Duncan Village; art is one of the areas on which it focuses.

Competition entrants are encouraged to use any medium, from painting to sculpture and even graffitti.

Gompo Art Centre, the fine arts department at Walter Sisulu University and an exchange student from the US who has a background in graphic design, are assisting the newly formed organisation.

One of the organisers, Mbulelo Ndoyisile, says, "The organisation's five board members all come from the university's fine art department, and they will bring a bit of professionalism to [it]. The Gompo Art Centre produces some of these amateur artists."

The centre will also provide the venue for the competition.

Ndoyisile says Duncan Village is a special place with great potential. "With this competition we are looking to uncover that potential. Art and design have been a means of expressing feelings and thoughts for thousands of years.

"We hope that this competition will serve to help people realise the great positive influence that art and design can have on individuals and communities."

American student Leland Rowley says he came to South Africa to research the country's art and publish a book on collecting South African art.

"But I decided to help out with this project and do something more sustainable. I am impressed with some of the art from Duncan Village and I hope that some overseas people get a chance to see it."

There are some funding challenges the group needs to overcome, but Rowley is adamant that in time the competition will receive support from sponsors.

The organisers also aim to make it an annual event that will promote art in the township.

Rowley says entrants can use anything from paper to fruit, and from spray paint to charcoal, to express themselves.

"No artwork may be submitted by anyone who works as a professional; this is a competition for amateurs."

The long-term vision of the competition is for young entrants to be mentored by fine art students from the university.

Ndoyisile says, "We want these young artists to be mentored by art students as a way of giving something back to our communities. Hopefully the provincial department of sports, arts and culture [will] lend a hand as well."

Entrants can be any age - the only requirement is that they are amateurs. "These artists can do anything from painting to photography, as long as it is their own creation," Ndoyisile adds.

"And these should be in line with our theme 'Your life'. Artists should tell a story [from] their lives."

Entries can be submitted at the Gompo Art Centre on Douglas Smith Highway, in Duncan Village.

The winners will be announced on 9 November at the centre. For more information, contact Mbulelo Ndoyisile on 073 817.4757.