Twice a month on Saturdays, the Arts, Culture and Heritage directorate of the City of Johannesburg’s Community Development department hosts “Youth Connect” art workshops at Kliptown Museum.

“What a better way of spending Saturday mornings,” said Cllr Ronald Harris, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, in a message encouraging communities to come on board.

“The Arts, Culture and Heritage directorate is doing its best to increase public participation and engagement in the arts,” MMC Harris.

Mzingaye Boco, the curator at Kliptown Museum, said the activities aim to attract the youth into the creative industry.

“So far, attendance is increasing weekly and the work produced is amazingly beautiful. The programme is made up of a book club; painting, drawings, screenings dedicated to the Freedom Charter; debates and intergenerational dialogue.”

“I like art. Arts is fun and creative. It teaches me things about myself,” said Reitumetse Mashapo.

Arnold Makate from Kliptown, who left school in grade eight, said: “I was not copying at school. I am good with my hands and most of the time I design. I started designing my own clothes. I am able to draw others. I want to continue with these activities, and I need support from the city. Being here is good for me. In two weeks’, time, I will be here again.”

For Leroy Charles, engaging in art an escape. “I had many setbacks in my life. I have learnt not to give up. I enjoy painting and using my hands to create beautiful things. Drawing for me was a relief and a way of shutting out the world and focusing on myself. I started drawing before I could paint, and I want to explore more and see where I will end.”

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