Celebrating South Africa’s Youth
The Department of Tourism underscores the pivotal role of the tourism sector in bolstering the South African economy. To open new avenues for young creatives, Sanlam and the Youth Employment Service (YES) have unveiled the much-anticipated Youth4Tourism (Y4T) Art Exhibition 2024. The event launched on 4 July at the illustrious Sanlam Art Lounge in Johannesburg.
Paul Hanratty, CEO of Sanlam, highlighted the exhibition’s significance in promoting local talent and the tourism industry. “The Youth4Tourism Art Exhibition is a powerful testament to our youth’s talent and potential. By providing a platform for young creatives to showcase their skills and earn through their work, we foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and empower them to become active contributors to our economy and society,” Hanratty remarked.
Unlocking Youth Potential to Stimulate the Local Economy
The Y4T Art Exhibition transcends a mere celebration of young South African talent; it serves as a catalyst for job creation and entrepreneurship within the creative and tourism sectors. By offering a platform for emerging artists to display their work, the exhibition opens doors to potential employment opportunities, artist commissions, and collaborative ventures.
To date, the initiative has placed 1018 young individuals in jobs within the tourism and creative sectors. These roles, encompassing photography and videography, have significantly contributed to promoting local tourist attractions. Participants not only draw attention to various destinations but also enhance local business footfall and earnings. As part of the programme, these youths receive mentorship and upskilling in valuable marketing and social media techniques.
Unveiling Young Creatives’ Concept of Home
In April, Youth4Tourism invited young creatives to submit artworks, photographs, and videos centred around the theme “Roots Unveiled: Exploring Home and Identity”. This theme encouraged participants to explore ‘home’ both as a physical space and a cultural anchor, showcasing the diverse facets of their identities shaped by their roots.
A distinguished panel of judges, including award-winning artist and Stellenbosch University’s Fine Arts Coordinator, Ashley Walters, meticulously selected a captivating collection of artworks. The panel evaluated over 70 submissions, selecting 36 for the final exhibition based on creativity, technical proficiency, relevance to the theme, and overall impact.
Reflecting on the quality of the submissions, Walters noted, “The photography, digital paintings, and videos exhibit exceptional quality, strong conceptual thinking, and high technical proficiency. The works demonstrate original interpretation, wonderful experimentation, playfulness, and ties to historical and family lineages.”
During the exhibition’s opening ceremony, the initiative recognised the top three entries, awarding each creative a share of photography and videography equipment vouchers valued at R37,000. The winners were:
- Lungile Ngcobo, first prize of R15,000 for “Matriarch’s Grace”, a digital photograph.
- Tshegofatso Rakwena, second prize of R12,000 for “Love”, a digital photograph.
- Akido Malabela, third prize of R10,000 for “Tembisa Cow”, a digital photograph.
Hanratty emphasised that these prizes not only recognise exceptional talent but also equip young artists with resources to further their creative pursuits. “By awarding these talented creatives the opportunities to showcase their skills and earn through their creative work, we are fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and empowering them to become active contributors to our economy,” he said.
Empowering the Youth Through Job Creation
The Y4T Art Exhibition provides young creatives with a platform to build professional portfolios and establish themselves in the art world. Additionally, the equipment voucher prizes offer winners valuable resources to invest in their craft and kickstart their careers.
“This collaborative effort between Sanlam and YES exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in driving youth empowerment, stimulating economic activity, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship that will benefit the participating artists and the broader creative and tourism industries in South Africa,” adds Hanratty.
Ravi Naidoo, CEO of YES, echoed this sentiment, stating, “YES seeks to empower youth through employment and skills development, driving inclusive economic growth in South Africa. The Youth4Tourism Art Exhibition is a prime example of leveraging the creativity of our youth. By investing in young people and providing them with the tools and platforms to succeed, we address unemployment and cultivate a generation of innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs who will shape the future of our nation.”
The Youth4Tourism Art Exhibition runs from 5 July to 16 August 2024 at the Sanlam Art Lounge, 11 Alice Lane, Johannesburg. Visitors are encouraged to explore captivating artworks, engage with young artists, and support their creative endeavours.
