Official newsletter of the Western Cape Craft Sector FEB ‘09 cape CRAFT Proudly promoted by the Cape Craft & Design Institute
1st showing of 2009 Exhibition Collection at Design Indaba
Creativity workshops 2009
February Craft Sector Meeting 4 Feb ‘09 empowerment through design Mielie shows the way 1 CLICK our quick link index for easy navigation index • Message from the Board chairman • Craft Sector meeting: February sector news • Call for papers on African Ceramics • National Craft Competition 2009 • Limpopo Province delegation taps into CCDI best practice model • Exhibition Collection at Design Indaba • Outreaches to our regions • Programme Panel open for bookings design matters • Empowerment through design • Saint Etienne’s new vision • Design Indaba EXPO • Crafter? Artist? Designer-maker? in the marketplace • Trends and Market Information Workshop • Retail Events Calendar 2009 • Copycats – Important lessons • Expos are expensive, but effective enterprise development • Why is craft-training not in the school curriculum? • 2009 Africa SMME Awards competition creativity, innovation & design • Creative Sparks • Creative and FabLab Workshops 2009 ccdi gift corporate warehouse • Yongo’s Pottery hand-makes 725 pots in one month Mannequin by Magpie, Barrydale
Cape Craft & Design Institute | Iziko laseKapa loBuchule noBugcisa | Die Kaapse Instituut vir FIFA 2010 world cup update Handwerk & Ontwerp
C/o CPUT, Box 652, Cape Town, 8000, this city 75 Harrington Street, • Cape Town Tourism: Numbers remain stable, despite tough times East City • PICTURES OF YOU offer for CCDI-members Cape Town • Loeries makes its new nest in Cape Town! +27 (0)21 460 3982 CCDI Activities [email protected] billboard www.ccdi.org.za A bright new look We think this newsletter is quite a phenomenon. The first one appeared on 15 May 2002 and was all of 2 pages long. And it was born out of the need to communicate information, opportunities and our activities to a growing list of craft producers on our database – then standing at 63.
What you have in your hand – or on your screen – now is the result of thousands of hours of accumulated experience, sweat and tears. Sixteen pages packed full of – we hope – interesting and useful information that is distributed to nearly 3000 people via email, our website, our offices and the network of the libraries and community centers. Readership includes 321 retailers, agents and buyers; 940 individuals in the public and private sector and the balance being people working in the sector to make and sell beautiful products.
And Marjorie has made this all happen – with a process that starts on the first of each month and ends on the last – 11 months of every year, for 8 years. That talks to unquantifiable dedication that deserves a knighthood! (or is that sisterhood?)… Thank you Marjorie.
So back to the beginning – happy 2009 – may it be full of good things and good business. Enjoy this edition – and please let us know if there is anything we can do to improve it.
All the best.
Erica Elk Executive Director: CCDI
2 Message from the Board chairman: Reuben Kadalie “Focus lens on organics, environment”
euben Kadalie has been chairing the CCDI-board for some months now. He took the position from former chair, Mel Hagen, who walked Rthe tightrope for 8 years. In 2003 Reuben led the National Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy for Craft, and thus began a long association with the CCDI.
At present he is the Contract Research and Development Manager for the CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing Operating Unit in the Western Cape, with no direct links to the craft industry, but he has demonstrated an undying passion for the economic development of the industry. He gives his impressions and hopes for the year to come.
Reuben says the industry was previously associated with traditionally low- skilled and dispersed activities with limited economic impact, involving rural communities with limited access to capital, technology and resources. The emphasis used to be on subsistence survival.
“The challenges are enormous, especially for the rural poor to access finances or appropriate resources to become self-sustainable and/or economically viable as small business enterprises. Craft producers fail to balance the authenticity of the cultural aspects and indigenous value of the product with its commercial value.
“South Africa’s rich cultural diversity and heritage provides a unique value proposition that can catapult the sector into the mainstream economy of wealth creation and global competitiveness.”
“The establishment of the CCDI about nine years ago has helped the craft industry, particularly in the Western Cape, to reinvent itself. The CCDI continues to create value-addition along the value delivery chain with crosscutting support and development in terms of funding access, human capital development, market development, technology and skills transfer and logistics management.”
Reuben hopes that with the many other hats that he wears, especially the National Cleaner Production Centre, natural organics and environmental friendly products will become a cornerstone of CCDI programmes.
“South Africa’s rich cultural diversity and heritage provides a unique value proposition that can catapult the sector into the mainstream economy of wealth creation and global competitiveness.” February Craft Partnership Meeting
You are invited to attend the monthly Craft Sector meeting, which the CCDI offers to give you a great opportunity for networking, and receiving information, insights and knowledge – at no cost to you. The meetings always take place on the first Wednesday of the month. The next meeting is on Wednesday, 4 February 2009, at the CCDI premises, 75 Harrington Street Speakers will be Marjorie Naidoo, from the CCDI, on her recent visit to the Design Biennale and Conference in St Etienne, France, a town that aims to establish itself as ‘the undisputed design capital of France’. And secondly, Justin Fiske, creator of mobile sculptures, will share how his recent residency in Japan has influenced his work.
For more information or to recommend a speaker or topic for a future meeting, contact Sarah Polonsky, 021-460-3724 / [email protected].
3 sector news
Call for papers on African Ceramics
he Centre for Visual Arts, University unity of perspective within this medium. of KwaZulu-Natal, is hosting an TAfrican Ceramics Conference from Submissions are invited from Archeology, 18 -27 September 2009. The theme of Ethnology, Visual Culture Studies, Cultural the conference is “African Ceramics”. The Studies, Cultural History, Art History, conference intends to address the histories Tourism and Leisure Studies, Gender of ceramics in Africa, and to engage with Studies, Architecture, Anthropological the current Archaeological, Ethnological, studies or any other fields that are involved Anthropological and artistic use of this with African ceramics. All papers should medium in Africa over the millennia. pertain to the specific theme of African ceramics. The ceramics can be made in The aim is to improve our overall Africa or outside the continent but must understanding of ceramics in past and illustrate a specific African influence. present African societies by promoting Closing date for submissions is Sunday, interdisciplinary discourse. Through this 15 February 2009. conference we also hope to stimulate a series of similar conferences to be held For more information, contact throughout the continent of Africa to [email protected]. Ceramic pot by Louise Gelderblom provide a broad data base of research and National Craft Limpopo Province Competition delegation taps into CCDI
2009 best practice model The Craft Competition staged by the National Department of Arts and Culture is CCDI was honoured to host a delegation from Trade and Investment Limpopo in January, a call on all South African crafters working who wished to tap into our best practice model for craft development, promotions and with wood, clay and textiles / fabrics. marketing.
The Department is looking for exciting and The delegation indicated that lessons learnt from this visit would inform a strategy they are innovative work that reflects a celebration currently putting together for developing and promoting crafts in Limpopo. of South African craft, heritage and expression. Seen here are: Back fltr: Thandeka Tyatyantsi (2010 Programme Manager: CCDI), Vuyisile Mshudulu (Market Access Facilitator Export & Retail: CCDI) and Kgaugelo Chere (Craft Facilitation:TIL. Front fltr: Erica The closing date is Friday, 27 February Elk (Executive Director: CCDI), Emily Khunou (Senior Manager Trade Promotion: TIL) and Marjorie Naidoo 2009. (Manager Communications & Sector Promotions: CCDI).
For more information, and to download entry forms, visit the website, www.craftcompetition.co.za, or contact Eunice Mothetho-Rooi, [email protected]. cell 079-721-1438, tel. 011-833- 3329.
4 First showing of 2009 Exhibition Collection at Design Indaba
Following the call of the CCDI for entries for the 2009 Exhibition Collection, we received some amazing submissions. A panel representing the retail sector, industrial design, art curation, craft and creativity, made a selection. The first showing of a part of the Collection will be on display on the CCDI stand at Design Indaba, D3, opposite the coffee shop.
During this year the complete Collection will be displayed once (time and venue to be confirmed). Groups of items will be selected and compiled for Touring Exhibitions that will be displayed at various strategic venues throughout the city and surrounds. The Touring Exhibitions will also be taken to the regions of the Western Cape and will form part of the CCDI’s Rural Outreach programme.
Objects from the ICONIC [craft] exhibition on the CCDI stand at Design Indaba 2008.
Dates Region Outreaches to 9 – 13 February Eden 16 – 19 February Overberg our regions 9 – 13 March West Coast 16 – 20 March Winelands Craig Carbutt, CCDI Rural Outreach Co-coordinator, will be visiting the 23- 27 March Karoo regions of the Western Cape throughout the year. His schedule for the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees, 4 – 11 April Oudtshoorn first quarter is as follows:
To arrange a meeting with Craig, or register to exhibit on the CCDI-stand at the KKNK, contact Craig on [email protected] | 021-460-3815.
Open for bookings The Programme Panel is open for bookings again The panel is a one-on-one process which will help you access Programme Panel interviews take place every Wednesday - except appropriate support from CCDI and those of our partners, and help the first of the month, when we have Craft Sector Meetings. The first you make decisions about where you want to take your product and session is at 10am and the last at 2pm, with bookings being filled up business. from the morning.
The Programme Panel consists of CCDI staff with design innovation, While you are here you can also arrange to have your products business development and market access skills and knowledge. During photographed for our website and update your database information. the session – which can last 50 minutes, you have an opportunity to talk about your product, your business and the challenges you face. It The Programme Panel is for ‘new comers’ and ‘old hats’. Last year 107 is an open-ended discussion but through the process you will find out craft producers made use of the Panel. more about the CCDI activities on offer; you can get practical advice and market access opportunities. To make a booking call Mandisi on [email protected] | 021-460-3662. 5 design matters
Design Taxi: The driver speaks Empowerment through design s design elitist? Do we, as designers and artists, breathe rarified air Adri continued, pointing out the larger reality the bags weave and speak an exclusive language above the heads of all the ‘little together: “Whether this person can’t speak English and comes Ipeople’? This is criticism I’ve heard over the years, leveled at me, from a rural village in the Ciskei [rural area in northeastern South and everyone else in the fine arts or design professions. Africa] and you’re a wealthy person living in New York, you actually can share so many things.” My problem (as much as I like the esoteric discussions) is that I’m impatient for tangible ‘results’: I want to see art and design reaching What ties the work of Mielie and the CCDI together is their individual into people’s lives and grabbing a hold of, in one way or another, their efforts to harness the beauty of hand-crafted design in improving innards. As much as I like defining my own principles, and mulling over people’s lives, and igniting the personal, economic, and artistic the ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ of what I do as an artist, want visual, physical repercussions therein. Flipping the question around, I asked CCDI proof that creativity makes a difference in people’s lives. Here in Cape Executive Director, Erica Elk, and Adri how empowerment impacts Town, in the Western Cape of South the design process. “It’s actually not Africa, I have come across proof that about craft, design or art. It’s actually design, art, and craft can empower about the creative process, and the people. object that results out of that,” says Erica. “There’s no end point or magic In conversation with two entities (one a solution to the process... the key to small business and one an NGO) whose empowerment is giving people the missions are inextricably intertwined skills, the ability, and the confidence around creativity and job creation, I to do what they do without you.” had the opportunity to witness design in action. For Adri, as the designer of Mielie’s products, it’s a matter of “Life is cheap”, I’ve heard on more coordinating the expansion of the than one occasion; and work is scarce, “Mielie language” – the confluence of especially for people with minimal or colors, motifs, and use of materials inferior education due to the legacy of that is constantly reinterpreted by the Apartheid era. So walking into Adri the weavers. Working with a group Schutz’s workspace, in the attic office of women whose spoken language above the Mielie shop (her business) and culture is different from her own, at the Montebello Design Centre in Adri has learned to allow room for the suburban Cape Town, was a refreshing personalized approach each weaver moment. takes – from the drawing of the designs (none of them have had any The walls of Mielie’s workspace (and formal art training) onto the hessian, office, tucked into a corner under to the actual weaving itself (some one of the eves) are covered in bags weavers pull the fabric tighter than – the hallmark product of the company. Mielie (which means ‘corn’ others, impacting the way certain designs are created). A design in Afrikaans) bags are handcrafted from recycled hessian (burlap) process dependent upon an unpredictable color palette (“we have salvaged from old corn bags – hence the name – and are crafted using absolutely no control over [it]…because we just take what the world a rug-hooking technique to ‘weave’ off-cut strips (‘stenter strips’) from throws away,”) is made even more exciting by the “serendipitous the knitting mills into bold designs. The bags are stunning – bright, misunderstandings and reinterpretations of things.” well-considered ‘eye candy’ pieces; it’s easy to see why they have such a hungry international market as well as a loyal, local following. The creative process is the wheel that switches on the power, whether it’s in the visual arts, design or craft. The off-shoots What is impressive beyond the design sensibility is that Mielie employs and up-shots to this process are many, as history has shown eighty people, most of them women from the townships surrounding us throughout the years. On the ground level, in contemporary Cape Town. Each weaver signs her name on a tag after she times, and in particular, in the present day climate of the Western completes a bag, ensuring that the bag carries with it not only a label Cape, it’s inspiring to see design hinged to the social mission of but a personality. From Khayelitsha (the biggest township) to its final improving people’s lives. And this wheel keeps turning; the design destination in Germany, France, USA or any number of countries and field expands and is strengthened because of new voices, new cities around the world, the bag makes its journey as a design item eyes, and new hands that reshape, reinvent and reinvigorate. We as well as a conduit for a deeper, social connection, Adri described all – designers, artists, craft producers, consumers, and producers this as follows: “I want to create a community of people for whom – reap the benefits of an empowered design paradigm. owning…a Mielie bag is maybe the end product but actually, it’s like you share certain values, certain interests, and really get to connect Hannah Morris, www.designtaxi.com. with people and ways of doing things.” 6 Saint Etienne’s new vision undisputed Design Capital of France
St Etienne under the first blush of the winter snow.
uring my sabbatical leave I returned The Biennale co-incided with the Cumulus to Saint Etienne in the Rhône-Alps Design Research Conference, which focused Dregion of France. Returned - because on global issues affecting responsible design, in July 2007 I was privileged to be part of a and the education of new designers. Speakers Department of Arts & Culture study tour to from design institutions across Europe, as France - part of an exchange agreement on well as the US and Japan, repeatedly asked Design between the two countries. Saint the question: Should designers be creating Etienne was one of the cities we visited and just Another Object? Should they not I found their goal to become the undisputed be designing Solutions to pressing social, design capital of France, fascinating. economic, ecological problems? And if they do design an object, designing up to the point Saint Etienne is a picturesque, medium-sized of marketing the product is not enough; more city, which is re-creating itself following a post- attention should be paid to looking beyond - to industrial existential crisis. The city previously the lifespan of the object, its afterlife and safe had an arms manufacturing industry, which disposal. dwindled as they ran out of coal and iron resources. The city fathers had to devise a For a small city, Saint Etienne is doing an plan to revitalize their city, grey and dirty from amazing work of re-imaging itself. Also, the mining and manufacturing activity. They through the Research Centre, they are pro- shared a common vision with the then head actively building links between design and of the 100-year old arts school, Jacques art schools in the Rhône-Alps region and Bonnaval, and came up with a blueprint to across France, with design professionals, and resurrect the city, create jobs in the knowledge international design schools and designers, economy, and put the city on the map. They and are providing Design Leadership to virtual cleaned up the buildings, added Design to design teams in finding solutions to various the arts school curriculum, and set about problems. The fridge of the future? establishing the city as a Design City. Displayed at the St Etienne Biennale. I believe my home city, Cape Town, is well on On the premises of the old arms factory the its way to becoming the undisputed design Cité du Design is being established - opening capital of South Africa. A design-partnership Design 2009 - which houses the excellent Arts and with Saint Etienne might be most rewarding. Design School, an internationally-linked Design Research Centre, and which hosts a Design Marjorie Naidoo, CCDI Manager Indaba Biennale. A number of prominent designers Communications & Sector Promotion. have made their home in Saint Etienne, EXPO – and the city has embarked on exciting city beautification projects. 23-26 Feb ’09 The Biennale showcased nearly 20 different Don’t miss a visit to Design Indaba – it is cannot afford to attend the main Design Design exhibits (designs by industry, by students, THE show in the year where designers Indaba Conference. international collaborations, prototypes, showcase their new and adventurous exhibits with a green message…). The visitor products, network with other designers, Speakers this year include Dai Fujiwara, figures for 2006 were 80 000; this year they and just generally enjoy the vibe of intense Issey Miyake’s creative director, as well again poured in, braving the rain, snow and the creativity. You are part of the city’s Creatives as product design giant Marcel Wanders, perpetual November grey-ness. They came, – let your presence be felt! founder of the Mooi boutique, renowned they looked, they looked some more. No sales for his gloriously whimsical interior living agenda here – people were merely updating Simulcast for Young Designers. The Design spaces, furniture and accessories. themselves on who was designing, and what. Indaba Young Designers Simulcast is a live The only objects for sale were to be found in broadcast, from the main plenary session Book through Computicket. the well-stocked and bustling book shop! to a second auditorium, for youngsters who
7 Crafter? Artist? Craft Artist? Craft producer? Makers? Designer? Designer- maker?
hich word best describes what ‘crafters’ do, and who they are? The British Craft Council has adopted the term W‘designer-maker’ as the preferred term – ‘designer’ since they engage fully in designing the object that will be made; and ‘maker’ as most of them personally make and shape the objects they have designed. Most other NGO’s working in the craft sector in Britain have followed suit. Do you have views on the matter?
Let us know. Email Marjorie on [email protected].
A wonderful example of the blurry lines between the act of crafting | creating art | conceptualising and designing. European Field, 1993, by Anthony Gormley, consisting of 40 000 clay figurines, varying between 8 and 26 cm in height. On show at the Musee d’Art Moderne, Saint Etienne, France, courtesy of the Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, Paris.
in the market place
Trends & Market Information Workshop
The CCDI, with its Norwegian partner Isandi, invites all export-ready companies - both existing and prospective suppliers to Isandi - to a Trends and Market Information Workshop on Tuesday, 3 March 2009 at CCDI, 3rd floor, 75 Harrington Street. The event will start at 9:00.
Interested enterprises or individuals should register by 13 February 2009 - contact Vuyisile Mshudulu on [email protected] | 021-460-3944. The workshop can accommodate 20 people. A non-refundable commitment fee of R50-00 will be charged.
In August 2008 the CCDI participated in the Isandi-stand at the Norwegian Gift Fair. From left is Anton Ressel, Consultant: Arc Consulting; Sarah Polonsky, CCDI Enterprise Development Manager; Eunice Mlotywa, Iliwa la Phakade Manager, supplier to Isandi; Vuyisile Mshudulu, CCDI Export & Retail Market Access; Khanya Mpuang, CCDI Programmes Manager; and Leonard Shapiro, Development Practitioner, Craft South Africa. 8 Retail Events Calendar 2009
CCDI EVENTS: February - November 2009 Local & National Events facilitated by the CCDI. Stands within these events fall under the banner & management of the CCDI. Craft producers will be required to submit samples for selection and retail stock.
Date Event Name Event Type Venue 23 – 26 February Design Indaba Trade Show CTICC, CT 12 – 15 March SARCDA International Trade Show Gallagher, JHB 3 – 4 April Cape Town International Jazz Festival Consumer Show CTICC, CT 24 – 27 April Decorex Cape Trade / Consumer Show CTICC, CT 28 – 30 July CCDI Trade Days Trade Event CCDI, CT 6 – 10 August SAHC – Decorex JHB Consumer Event Gallagher, JHB 20 – 23 August SARCDA Xmas Trade Show Gallagher, JHB 3 – 6 September Cape Homemakers Consumer Show CTICC, CT 26 – 28 September SARCDA Cape Trade Show Grandwest, CT 2 – 4 October Outdoor Expo Consumer Show Franschhoek 24 – 26 October Khayelitsha Festival Consumer Show Khayelitsha 6 – 8 November Baby Expo Consumer Show CTICC, CT
OTHER EVENTS: February – October 2009
Not facilitated by the CCDI. Craft producers participate on their own steam.
Date Event Name Event Type Venue Local & National Events not facilitated by the CCDI. Individual craft businesses might wish to participate under their own banner. For specific event organisers’ details, contact Jo-lene on 021-460-3562 | [email protected].
20 – 22 February The Women’s Show Consumer Show CTICC, CT Sandton Convention 25 – 27 February Meetings Africa Trade Show Centre, JHB Campground Rd, 7 & 14 February Rondebosch Craft Market Craft Market Rondebosch 15 – 18 March Hostex JHB Consumer Show Sandton, JHB 19 – 22 March Decorex KZN Trade/ Consumer Show ICC, Durban Campground Rd, 7 & 14 March Rondebosch Craft Market Craft Market Rondebosch Coca Cola Dome, 27 – 29 March Gardenex & Green Living - JHB Consumer Show Northgate Campground Rd, 4 & 11 April Rondebosch Craft Market Craft Market Rondebosch 9 – 12 May Tourism Indaba Trade Show ICC, Durban 28 – 31 May Good Food & Wine Show Consumer Show CTICC, CT Campground Rd, 2, 9 & 23 May Rondebosch Craft Market Craft Market Rondebosch 28 – 31 May Rooms on View Trade /Consumer Show Sandton, JHB 9 – 11 June Markex JHB Consumer/Trade Show Sandton, JHB 13 – 16 June Cape Town Book Fair Consumer Show CTICC, CT Coca Cola Dome, 26 – 28 June Natural & Organic Product Exhibition Consumer Show Northgate
2 – 11 July National Arts Festival Craft Market Grahamstown 8 – 10 August Baba Indaba Consumer Show CTICC, CT 24 – 27 September Hermanus Whale Festival Craft Market Hermanus 14 – 16 October Propak Cape Trade Show CTICC, CT
24 – 26 October Greyton Rose Festival Craft Market Greyton Consumer Show = Stock for retail buyers, with the intention of securing medium- to large-scale orders. displayed on the stand, to interested Show = Only samples are Trade Glossary of Terms: sales to the public. of the above. Craft Market = Normally outdoors. Direct Consumer Show = A mixture sales to the public. Trade/ within the stand. Direct
9 Copy Cats important lessons
n important lesson is to be learnt by all creatives through the sector role players. As a result the production and distribution of experience of one of our most well-known designer-makers, these replicas was stopped. AWillard Musaruwa of Feeling African. Erica says she is extremely happy for the results borne from these The Tatu range was created in collaboration between Stephen actions. “There is no reasonable argument for a large company to Burks and Willard in 2006 as part of a programme funded by the copy the products of smaller players and undercut their market, Kellogg Foundation and supported by the CCDI and the American- thereby depriving other opportunities to generate business. based NGO, Aid to Artisans. With the assistance of Enrico Bressan of Artecnica it was later refined for the international market. Willard In his reaction Willard said that “people like this are destroying the has a global distribution agreement with Artecnica, but the range only dream for the township people.” is manufactured in Cape Town, supplying jobs and livelihoods to 8 people. Erica warned designers and design-makers to be aware and keep a lookout for possible copies of their creations. “ What we learned When we discovered that replicas of the Tatu range were being from this example – which may not work every time – is that there sold under a different name, the CCDI Executive Director, Erica are creative ways to address these matters, other than litigation. Elk, made work of the issue and addressed a letter to the company We cannot allow unethical behavior to tread on the dreams of our CEO, and copied in high-ranking diplomats, ambassadors and people and their livelihoods.”
“We cannot allow unethical behavior to tread on the dreams of our people and their livelihoods.”
Feeling African’s original Tatu range that is manufactured in Cape Town The copycat coffee table bears a remarkable likeness to the Tatu range. and distributed globally through Artecnica.
Tanja Gerber of Exhibition Marketing Consultants, Liquid- Space, re-enforces the importance of expos to interact with your target market. She says if you normally are Expos are expensive, conservative when allocating budget for participation in expos and exhibitions, you need to ask yourself “What do but effective expos offer my company, brand and product that no other advertising medium does? The answer is quite simple - interactivity. Plan carefully and include spend in your budget for exhibitions – you don’t want to miss out on • Meeting face to face with thousands of new buyers • Developing a quality database • Showing your full product range, instead of a catalogue • Letting buyers experience your product with all five senses • Getting immediate feedback on your product range and services • Overcoming objections and accelerating the buying process • Raising your profile in the industry Re-visit your marketing budget. Include a well structured exhibition marketing campaign and brace yourself!
Lindelwe Tati displays her sophisticated leather bags at SA Handmade Collection. Exhibitions offer the opportunity to interact directly with your client. 10 enterprise development
Why is craft-training not in the school curriculum
ue Kingma is the owner of Nuno, a Employers are complaining of a lack of hand- job creation craft business making eye coordination in work seekers today. Sfelt fashion accessories. Sue is very Maybe it is partly because of a lack of craft concerned about the growing lack of craft- education in schools? training in schools. As a result of her work with craft producers, she highlights her My daughter is in a government school – the experience and observations, and argues curriculum offers no craft, and only a little art. that if government is serious about craft as I am concerned for her development and for a major job creator, it should be offered at the development of our youth in general. school level. There is nothing that can be done about Nuno offers work opportunities to young work seekers being trained in craft when they South Africans. We teach sewing, beading, arrive with no skills, except train them in the neatness, quality standards, and the ability specific skills needed for that craft. But I feel to produce the same product again. Work that it is essential to lobby for the return of might be worthwhile to look at a program to seekers start unable to sew, knot, knit, craft in the school curriculum, thus supporting develop 3-D visualisation skills. Here we would crochet, measure, or draw. They have not the government’s identification of craft as a be addressing a need at the job creation level learnt any of these skills in school. major job creator. As a side issue, employers of the craft business. will be able to recruit employees with eye- “I work with handmade felt. Here at Nuno we hand coordination skills, skills which are very INADEQUATE ENGLISH LANGUAGE make our own wool felt, fused onto fabric. The necessary in many other fields besides craft SKILLS IN WORK SEEKERS lines have to be straight. You need to be able – dentistry, the electronics industry, artisans, to measure differences, skewness, visually. carpentry, plumbing, engineering, the merchant We take on mainly Xhosa work seekers and Some of our artisans struggle endlessly navy, medical and para-medical professions. some people from other African countries. with straightness and judging a similar Our language of instruction is English. It takes measurement when making these scarves. INABILITY OF WORKSEEKERS TO time for our trainees to understand basic VISUALISE BEYOND 2-D instructions in English, and for trainees to Waldorf schools emphasis craft skills. They understand the names of the different kinds of say that hand-eye coordination skills and We also sculpt with the felt, making brooches wool we use, and the names of the different spatial perception skills are developed through and larger animals (about two-handfuls in size) colours. exercising craft skills. They encourage a love out of the wool. I have watched some of our of the handmade and self-made in their artisans’ progress from a complete inability to The issues that I am speaking about here curriculum. understand anything in 3-D, to being able to are probably macro issues. Some of them take on new designs – now even with nothing are forward-planning government issues that Even if people don’t learn craft to use it in their more than a 2-D sketch! To put it simply, they organisations such as the CCDI could lobby work, they learn an appreciation of the handmade, had no 3-D conceptualisation skills when they about, but they are issues that have the and become supporters of craft businesses. started working with us. Their schooling had potential to bring about change in household They become the audience who buys craft. not developed that ability. income level. In South Africa household income often means income for families in neighbouring countries, and in so doing, the whole of Africa.
Sue is a BA Hons graduate. She has trained at high school level, in the business environment, and lectured at Technikon and University level. Before setting up Nuno, she ran a small deli-mustard factory for 10 years, and experienced some similar employee problems there. She is 55 years old, married, with an 8-year old in a SA government school. Sue says “My comments are anecdotal and the result of observation only in my environment. They may not be representative of the South African situation, but may throw light on some Sue Kingma of Nuno argues that if government is serious about craft as a areas and show areas for research, or areas of major job creator, craft should be included in the school curriculum to develop I t potential concern.” hand-eye coordination and spatial perception skills. 11 2009 Africa SMME Awards competition
Do you own or manage an established small, medium or micro enterprise (SMME)?
Is the business older than two years, is the business idea original and do you contribute positively to the image of business in Africa? If so, you may be in line to be honoured as the top SMME in Africa.
For more information, and to acquire an entry form, contact Dina Potgieter, Executive Manager: Africagrowth Institute, tel. 021-914-6779, or visit the website www.africagrowth.com.
Creativity, Innovation & Design Creative Sparks In 2009 the 4th floor will run a whole series of Creativity Workshops. The workshops are designed to improve your confidence in your own ability to improve your existing products and also to venture into the exciting realm of product development.
We are also running FabLab workshops where you will be introduced to the processes of manufacturing with the aid of computers and machinery. This will enable you to return on the open days where you can continue working on your products and projects.
Our COMBO workshops combine both aspects of the 4th floor’s activities and provide stimulating and challenging workshop opportunities.
There has been a great response so far and if you are interested in participating please contact Karen, the Workshop Facilitator, on 021-460-8379 [email protected] or Pieter, the FabLab Facilitator, on 021-460-3813 [email protected] to reserve a place on any of the forthcoming workshops. Creative and FabLab Workshops 2009
February March April 5 Feb FabLab 1-Day 12 March FabLab 1-Day 2 April FabLab 1-Day 18-20 Feb Creativity 3-Day 12 March Creativity 1-Day 6-7 April Creativity/FabLab 19 Feb FabLab 1-Day 19 March FabLab 1-Day 2-Day combo 26 Feb FabLab 1-Day 26-27 March Creativity/ 16 April Creativity/FabLab FabLab combo 1-Day combo 23 April FabLab 1-Day 30 April FabLab 1-Day May June July August
7 May FabLab 1-Day 4 June FabLab 1-Day 9 July FabLab 1-Day 6 August FabLab 1-Day 14 May Creativity 2-Day 9-11 June Creativity 3-Day 16-17 July Creativity 2-Day 13 August FabLab 1-Day 14 May FabLab 1-Day 11 June FabLab 1-Day 23-24 July Creativity 2-Day 20 August Creativity 1-Day 21 May FabLab 1-Day 18-20 June Creativity 3-Day 23 July FabLab 1-Day 20 August FabLab 1-Day 18 June FabLab 1-Day 30 July FabLab 1-Day 25 June FabLab 1-Day September October November December 1 October Creativity 1-Day 2 September Creativity/FabLab 6-8 October Creativity 3-Day 12 November FabLab 1-Day 2-3 December Creativity 2-Day combo 3-Day 8 October FabLab 1-Day 19-20 November Creativity 2-Day 3 December FabLab 1-Day 10 September FabLab 1-Day 15 October Creativity 1-Day 19 November FabLab 1-Day 9 December Creativity 1-Day 17 September FabLab 1-Day combo 26 November Creativity 3-Day 22 October FabLab 1-Day 26 November FabLab 1-Day 22-23 October Creativity 2-Day 29 October FabLab 1-Day Please note that this programme may change. Call to check on times of workshops closer to the time: Karen 021-460-8379, Pieter 021-460-3813. 12 CCDI Gift Corporate Warehouse Yongo’s Pottery hand-makes 725 pots in one month
hen we set up the CCDI’s GIFT was determined to meet the challenge, and Warehouse in 2007 to ensure that had a strong helping hand in his associate, Whandcraft producers could benefit Nosisa, who he describes as the anchor of directly from the ever-expanding corporate gift the team. market, we were certainly pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown. However, during the 4 weeks at his disposal, Martin faced some major challenges. The whole project suffered a major setback when one of his team members, Nosisa’s son, died in a shack fire. Spirits were low. Tiredness set in. Martin himself fell sick. Exhaustion slowed them down and delayed the process. Then there were the normal losses in the form of breakages.
But Martin pulled through and the pots were transported to GIFT. Back at GIFT, each calabash and pot needed to be boxed and gift-packaged. The GIFT-staff took over the training room and stacked boxes to the roof. The casual team assisted with folding boxes and bubble-wrapping the ceramics to pack inside the boxes for freight to Johannesburg by 5 December! Finally, with many CCDI staff lending a helping hand, the order was successfully delivered. When Martin Mayongo received an order of 725 GIFT manager, Rose Reddy, says, “The clay pots to be used as a corporate gift, he had Martin Mayongo of Yongo’s Pottery used to project was certainly a learning curve for to pull out all the stops. make his clay pots with beaded pieces at the everyone involved. Once again, it highlights Khayelitsha Arts Centre, and at night baked the challenges that face the makers of them in the home kiln. Martin employs 3 beautiful handmade products. No money people permanently, but has skilled people can replace the time and sacrifices made, and 1-Day combo on standby for large consignments – an GIFT feels honoured to have facilitated this arrangement which stood him in good stead opportunity for the people of Khayelitsha.” when, on 4 November last year, he received an order of almost 800 pots. Martin had one ABOUT GIFT month to deliver the goods. In order to meet the time-line, he pulled in 7 assistants and GIFT adds a socially responsible solution to worked night-and-day. corporate gifting needs. All our suppliers are micro and emerging enterprises, providing But how did it all begin? GIFT sales executive, jobs and sustained income to many economically marginalized people. And as Girl Yeki, connected with the communications all our suppliers have BEE ratings of level director of the Bosasa Group of Companies, 4 and above – buying from GIFT provides Papa Leshabane. Papa liked Martin’s companies with procurement recognition of calabash as a corporate gift idea, but wanted 100%. it custom-made with their company logo. It’s a win-win solution for the maker and the Papa and GIFT-staff continued to explore market. branding options, and together with the FabLab, they cut perspex templates of the GIFT helps corporate South Africa make Bosasa-logo which Martin had to press into a meaningful contribution to grassroots the clay of the calabash and then painted it broad-based black economic empowerment with the company colors. through genuine economic activity that makes a contribution to sustainable livelihoods. And The client was very happy with the samples GIFT helps handcraft producers access and and confirmed an order of 225 customized service a market that they would struggle to calabashes and 500 customized pots. Martin access and service on their own. 13 FIFA 2010 World Cup
2010 Update less than 500 days to go
The growing interest in crafter opportunities for 2010 was demonstrated at the first 2010 briefing session, when crafters filled our meeting room in Harrington Street. Sunday, 25 January, marked 500 days to the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony and kick-off match, which will take place on 14 June 2010, Ellis Park, Johannesburg. Regular updates In an effort to get relevant 2010 related To ensure that all CCDI stakeholders, especially • 2009 Cape Town Book Fair (13-16 information, the Project officer will be attending Jun): tba, samples due date tba the craft producers, are kept in the loop on this monthly technical update meetings hosted year’s plan, we have planned various sessions • 2009 Soccerex (29 Nov-2 Dec): tba, by the Premier’s 2010 Co-ordination Office, for your benefit. samples due date tba update meetings with the provincial 2010 Unit Director of the Department Cultural Affairs & • Information sessions at the craft • 2010 Design Indaba (Feb 2010): Sport, and update meetings with the City of sector meetings tba, samples due date tba Cape Town 2010 Project as well as the Central • 2010 “Place, Heritage, Culture, City Forum. To ensure that you miss nothing, Legacy, and Event” workshops Call for product - watch our newsletter for some of the responsible officers will be invited these announcements. • Call for products, briefings sessions, to present at the craft sector meetings. Watch product selection and feedback the newsletter for notices. sessions Product briefings - The 2010 CCDI’s GIFT Warehouse team will hold briefing sessions to 2010 ‘Place, Heritage, Culture, Legacy, Newsletter contributions explain the product requirements. Questions • and Event’ CCDI workshops and answers will help us to assist you, and to 2009 Events understand your challenges. The CCDI will be hosting 3 inspiration workshops on the aspects that the 2010 FIFA Throughout the year, a number of events will Dates for product in-takes, are as follows: World Cup ™ will emphasise: Place, Heritage be targeted, for which we will put out a call • 1st product intake: 10 Feb 2009 & Culture, Legacy, and Event. Space is for product, hold briefing sessions, and select limited to 12 participants per session, so products for showcasing. These events, trade • 2nd product intake: 10 Mar 2009 send your applications well in time. There shows or exhibitions are: will be is a R100 registration fee for the • 3rd product intake: 10 April 2009 • Décor items (on-going): briefing – 22 5-day workshops. Workshop dates: 16-20 Jan, samples due date 13 Feb March | 20-24 April | 25 – 29 May | 08h30 Further dates will be provided as the need – 16h00 daily. Interested parties please • 2010 Related Corporate Gifting (on- arises after the workshops hosted by the 4th contact Karen Stewart on: 021-460-8379 / going): briefing 22 Jan, samples due floor. date 13 Feb [email protected]. Product selection - a selection panel will • 2009 Cape Town Jazz Festival (3 & For any enquiries relating to 2010, please 4 Apr): briefing 22 Jan, samples due view the submitted products to choose the feel free to contact me, Thandeka Tyatyantsi, date 13 Feb most appropriate items for the specific event your 2010 Project Officer, on | 021-460-8380 – full feedback will be provided to all craft • 2009 Tourism Indaba (9 - 12 May): [email protected]. tba, samples due date tba producers. ‘Yours in Soccer!’ 14 This city Cape Town Tourism: Numbers remain stable, despite tough times ccording to the latest dipstick research conducted by • Most establishments indicated a slower than usual start to Cape Town Tourism in the first week of January 2009, the peak season Aaccommodation figures across Cape Town reflect a leveling out of visitors over the peak season. • Many establishments reported a high number of last minute and walk-in reservations The decreased petrol price as well as a weak rand in comparison to Shorter stays and a more conservative spend than last overseas currency led to many South Africans enjoying a national • year were reported. holiday instead of going abroad. Feedback from the industry and major attractions indicate that domestic arrivals are on par with that of last year. On a more sober note, Martin Hatchuel, the BarefootWriter, Some of the key trends indicate: writes in his ‘This Tourism Week’ column:
• A healthy return rate from traditional foreign markets “Like you, I’ve been watching the unfolding crisis in the world’s economy with a certain horror. I’ve always been fascinated by the • Numbers have mainly remained consistent with last year, collapse of ‘29 and I’ve always naively felt that we’d learned from with slight increases reported, especially in the Central City our mistakes and that it could never happen again. Well, looks like and Atlantic Seaboard areas it can...
• Major attractions like Kirstenbosch and the V&A Waterfront “And this is very worrying, of course. But there’re a few fundamental report significant increases in visitor numbers differences between 1929 and 2008. It’s this: the tourism industry is all about transport and the transport industry is not only unsustainable • Most establishments interviewed report good occupancy - it’s killing us. levels for the next two months “Fossil Fuels, guys - that’s what’s going to kill tourism. Because • Wedding and function venues interviewed report a positive they’re running out, because they’re polluting our air/water/earth and increase in bookings for the new year because we aren’t doing enough to replace them with really green technologies.” • A number of establishments reported better forward bookings for the next few months than last year Any comments on this? Pictures of you offer for CCDI- members PICTURES OF YOU is offering CCDI-members a special price of R50 per ticket.
Contact Tarryn Saunders, 021-680-3993 between 9:00 and 14:00, or email [email protected] quoting the code ‘CCDI’. Offer is valid starting Thursday, 5 February, and then for any Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. Pictures of You will be presented at the Baxter Sanlam Studio, from 2-21 February 2009. Bookings through the Baxter Box Office or Computicket on 083-915-8000. Performed at the Baxter, PICTURES OF YOU is a quirky visual story, created by a multi- award winning team of collaborators. At first sight, Frank and Janet’s marriage is the picture of perfection – neat, ordered, and respectable. But underneath lies a deeper truth – one of buried secrets and repressed desires that begin leaking out when Frank starts to dream. 15 Louries makes it’s new nest in Cape Town The Oscars of the Creative Industry, the 2009 Loerie Awards, will take place in Cape Town from 25 to 27 September 2009.
The Loeries now attract many international attendees, as well as local marketing executives, creative leaders, media and celebrities. Entries are judged by over 130 judges, made up of respected local industry leaders and chaired by international specialists.
The site earmarked for the awards ceremony is the Good Hope Centre in the East City Precinct, a site of great historic importance. The precinct has also become a home to the creative industry in Cape Town, with many advertising, design and marketing companies already making their home there. Billboard
Researcher needed for craft retail shops & raw materials providers
The CCDI is looking for a free-lance ‘ambassador’ to do on-the-foot research for the organisation during February and early March 2009. This would involve visiting Craft Retail shops in the Metropolis, as well as providers of Raw Materials to the craft sector. This person would in many cases be introducing the CCDI to these shops and providers for the first time, and should therefore be presentable, pleasant and able to converse easily. Questionnaires would need to be completed and certain negotiations done. A knowledge of craft is required.
Please contact Lynne on 021-460-3822 to apply. Your photographs needed - to promote your sector
The CCDI is inviting WC designer-makers/craft producers to submit photographs of their latest products to update our website. We also use excellent photographs of interesting craft to promote both you as a designer-maker, and the WC craft sector, in our printing material, media articles and advertising.
Please note: We require high-resolution pics, not smaller than 500KB in size; they can be up to 2MB large, but if you are emailing us, these will need to be sent one at a time.
If you can at all afford it, get a professional photographer to take the pictures – remember ‘an image gets its own legs’.
Tip: If you have to do the photography yourself, see that the background is completely clear of any clutter; if possible it should be a uniform colour, like white (use a sheet), or black (use sheets of black paper as a backdrop), whichever will show your product up to the best advantage.
Email your photographs to Marjorie on [email protected] Urban Africa agent needed
Urban Africa makes handcrafted leatherwear and is looking for an agent for the WC area. Contact Vincent Urbain, tel. 021- 462-0232, cell. 072-667-0878, email [email protected]. Visit the website www.urbanafrica.co.za. African Allsorts need artists
African Allsorts Bead and Wire Art Studio in Salt River, has a great opportunity for two talented artists to join their dynamic team. The applicant should have a strong creative flair and be proficient in design, framing and plastering. The applicant will be encouraged to explore working with different materials and to be innovative in both design and technical skills. Contact Jason or Leila, tel. 021-447-6976 or email [email protected] for an interview. Beads for sale
38.645kg Indian glass beads in assorted colours for sale - 8 mm and smaller (mostly 8mm). R200 / kg or R24.00 per string. Contact Jeanette 079-186-1785. 16