Upskilling Performing Artists

We have many well established artists and performers with disabilities who would like to share their skill and journey with upcoming artists and performers with disabilities....

Crafts & Woodwork

BOUNDLESS is a project of the Graaf-Reinet Protective Workplace. The Protective Workplace is a non-profit organization for adults with disabilities from all race groups in Eastern Cape. The purpose of the Workplace is to provide an opportunity for people with physical, psychological or mental disabilities, who are unable to compete in the open labour market....

Crafts & Beadwork

Sewela Beading Craft

Siwela’s Beading Craft designs, produces and sells handmade beaded jewelry using a variety of beads. These designs are either traditional in nature or are very popular as custom corporate gifts. They also design and sew Xhosa traditional clothing in a variety of bright patterns and materials. ...

ShweShwe

Ikageng Skills Centre

by Dispatch Arts Project
2 May

Ikageng Skills and Entrepreneurial Development Centre in Kimberly produces high quality shweshwe products. SHWESHWE MATERIAL Shwe Shwe is a uniquely South African material made by Da Gama Fabrics outside King Williams Town, Eastern Cape and popular for traditional and fashion wear....

Glasswork

Liquid Fire Glass Art Studio

by Dispatch Arts Project
3 April

Liquid Fire Art Glass Studio trains persons with disabilities in the production of art glass jewellery using sheet glass and layers of glass to create a range of beautiful pendants, earrings and cufflinks using a kiln....

The Dispatch Arts Project is an arts and culture development project of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities, and is sponsored by the National Lotteries Commission. The project's aim is to facilitate the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of community life in South Africa. It is a platform through which rural artists with disabilities can showcase their talents and handicrafts and make a decent living in the process. Arts and crafts play an important part in rural economies. It is often the only entry point into the economy for poorly skilled persons with limited access to training and education. The project aims to allow artists with disabilities the same sort of opportunities that artists without disabilities have access to.

FIND OUT MORE

Current Projects - Northern & Eastern Cape

Ikageng Skills and Entrepreneurial Centre

Liquid Fire Glass Art Studio

Shine! Northern Cape Arts Tour

Rural artists with disabilities showcase their talents

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) is helping to develop rural artists with disabilities through a series of nationwide projects and activities.

Lack of opportunities inevitably increases the chances of unemployment among persons with disabilities. The NCPD’s aim with the programme is to create opportunities, develop and, where possible, turn talent into income-generating careers for artists with disabilities living in rural areas where accessibility tends to be a problem.

“The NCPD is aware of these artists’ challenges; hence the decision to travel into rural areas and search for talent. We unconditionally believe in the abilities and talents of artists with disabilities and we also believe that the country understand that artists with disabilities deserve equal opportunities,” said NCPD national director Therina Wentzel.

The talent hunt started in the Free State in 2016 and talent shows continued this year in Kimberley, Upington, Kuruman, Springbok and Port Nolloth. The shows were funded by the National Lotteries Commission and presented by Casual Day ambassador Jonathan Groenewald, also known as 2J Harmonix, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of two and who uses a wheelchair to get around. Groenewald has been working with Casual Day to promote equality and awareness for persons with disabilities.

“We chose to focus on rural areas because good talent often goes to waste in the more remote areas, where opportunities are lacking. The NCPD wants to open as many doors as possible for talented artists, regardless of where they come from,” he said.

Talent show winners and other selected artists will get the opportunity to perform at corporate and government functions to showcase their talents. They will also be promoted through social media, have access to mobile recording studios and get the chance to be advocates for persons with disabilities through their art.

The NCPD is a non-profit organisation that funds the services it offers through donations, partnerships, BBBEE work, using Section 18 A services (tax incentives for charitable work) and fundraising through life-changing campaigns such as Casual Day and Nappy Run.

MADE POSSIBLE BY

The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The intention of NLC funding is to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable, and to improve the sustainability of beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development.