Javett art centre celebrates three years

Minentle Mndiyata

On 24 September, the Javett Art Centre celebrated three years of its establishment. In celebration of a successful three-year run, the Art Centre hosted a free entrance day, which coincided with Heritage Day. After having emerged from the lockdown and still thriving, PDBY paid the Art Centre a visit for its three-year milestone.

Launched in 2019, the Art Centre is a collaborative and multidisciplinary space situated on south campus. The space is open to students (and the public) as both a learning resource and a place for art enthusiasts. The space aims to make African art accessible, relevant and engaging. Current exhibitions include Yakhal’inkomo, a multimedia exploration of black South African visual artists. You can also find the Scenorama exhibition which foregrounds artistic experimentation and a pan-African aesthetic.

Jazz artist, composer, and UP alumnus, Keenan Meyer, has also been hosted by the Art Centre for a “one-night-only heritage experience.”

PDBY attended the Art Centre’s free entrance day which was filled with all sorts of fun. The celebratory event was attended by a diverse array of people. The event also gave an opportunity to vendors who were allowed to promote their businesses and showcase their work and services. Some of the vendors were selling traditional wear in commemoration of Heritage Day.

The first activity on the programme was a face-painting session for children. The activity was a fantastic way to immerse the younger guests into the world of art and creativity. A tour of the Yakhal’Inkomo exhibition, curated by Bongi Dlomo, was also available for the guests. This was followed by a tour of The Gold of Africa collection, which was curated

Garage, Natasa, Dean Fuel, Cinnamon, and Chunda Munki performed for the eccentric and excited.

The third and final stage, Hype Nation HipHop Stage, was named after the hip hop/ rap events that preceded the performances of Sixby9ine, Youngserno, DJ Q, Rarri, Wat3er, Mustbedubz, Phantom Steeze, Benny Chill (a Penryn College representative, if you will), Hype, and Venom. However, the existence of this third stage, tucked behind the bathrooms, was not known to the writers of PDBY, who are definitely not the ones writing this article. Maybe next time hang up a big flag for the different factions, or maybe next time the writer can just look at the map.

One of the main problems with Lentedag, was the inability to be in three places at once, as each act had something unique to offer. This has been one of the best organised Lentedag events, including the pre-COVID events. One of this festival’s most noticeable and appreciated elements was the tight security at the women’s bathrooms. Every third toilet had a female security guard outside, and the thoughtfulness of an act like this truly allowed women to just be people at the festival, as opposed to people having to constantly worry about safety. And of course, a special thank you will always be administered to the RedFrogs, who kindly kept many rascals, safe.

A special mention to the catering of the event, with both vegan and vegetarian food options being available. This festival catered for all students, marking it as one of those “once in your lifetime” events.

*Sometimes, at no fault of the organisers, the card machines do not have signal. Always have some cash on you in case.

*Although the drink prices are roughly the same as they would be at the strip, pre-drinks are always a good idea. But do not pre too hard, of course. It is a solid 8-hour day.

Editor’s picks

KIEF

“Fruity Juice” - Uncle Spike

“Crazy one” - Desmond and Tutus

“Bacon Avo Egg” - Uncle Spike

“Mexico” - Zebra

“Monokultuur” - Glaskas

“Aan die ontmaskerde”- Glaskas

“Way to go”- Die Heuwels

Fantasties, Thieve

“JD” - Zebra, Khai UG

“Midnight” - 340ml

“Colours” - Matthew Mole

“Energie” - Van Coke Kartel

Scan with historic artefacts all the way from 1922.

Tshwane’s DJ Hebz kept the crowd entertained with a wide range of music from old South African jams to recently released hits. KACEY also gave a live performance which left the audience wanting more. The guests came in numbers dressed in their traditional attires to celebrate Javett and Heritage Day. Overall, the event taught people about the power of art and creative storytelling. The event’s spectacular exhibitions also proved that South African heritage is not only informed by cultural and traditional customs, but our history plays an important role too.

Shoutout to Jacques for the bangers