Starting an Art School in Qumbu, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Hello.

My name is Wandiswa Wandie Mesatywa, born in small rural area in a small town called Qumbu. I am a teaching artist, and a professional photographer. I finished my tertiary studies in 2016 at the Ruth Prowse school of Art in Cape Town. Currently I am lecturing photography at CityVarsity Cape Town.

During my studies I felt the need to make a difference and change where I come from. At the the time it was not as clear as it is now of what I needed to do. I have been teaching for almost 2 years now. And everyday I think of the impact I would do in my own town. If there was the smallest opportunity to open an art college focused in various fields. Where the community would send their children and where the older generation could acquire skills to use to support their families. At the moment there is not a single college in existence there.

Why an art college? The medium of photography has enabled me with the courage to confront, overcome and express that which is universal, but at the same time examine personal experiences. Subject matters that are taboo particularly in my community, it got me out of poverty years after I lost both my parents and became a mother to my siblings. The work that I produce explores everydayness of things and their seemingly innocent associations as well as breaking the stereotypical notions. It acknowledges that which cannot be changed. With the hope to get closure, healing, regaining self empowerment and the validation of my existence to self and gives new meaning and value to my life.

Starting this college would change lives of many. Their economic circumstance, poverty, bring about change and the development in Qumbu.

To contribute towards this fundraiser please buy any of my artworks via https://www.wandiem.co.za/shop. Or contribute anything you may have. Nothing is too little; a dollar will go a really long way.

Please help if you can. And if you can't, then please, PLEASE share this page as widely as you can.

Thank you for reading.
And thank you so much, for trying.

Wandie