The Mdantsane Arts Centre is planning a host of exciting events for this year, as part of its Child Development Programme.
The centre’s programme has benefited many Mdantsane children over the years, providing them with outlets to explore their different artistic talents.
Cinga Dyala, one of the centre’s facilitators, said: “This year we are planning to give our members a wholesome experience of what it means to be an artist and the roles they [artists] have, by visiting the relevant places that cater for the arts around Buffalo City, such as the Guild Theatre, the Miriam Makeba Centre of Performing Arts, and Steve Biko Centre, just to mention a few.”
Though last year was financially challenging for the centre, this year its organisers plan on doing things differently.
“Last year we were able to host our event in a larger space to allow for more attendees and the reception from schools was very satisfactory and we were successful enough.
“The main reason we are starting with raising funds in January is to make sure we have something to fall back on if we find ourselves in a situation where sponsors pull out at the last minute or we get disappointed by broken promises,” said Dyala.
The centre’s annual Inkcubeko Yomntwana Arts Festival is set to take place in September this year, providing the youth with an opportunity to showcase their talents.
“We will be introducing a Mr and Miss Inkcubeko Yomntwana as well,” said Dyala.
“We will also be holding monthly sessions for our members too where they will be able to showcase new material every month at the Mdantsane Arts Centre for their audiences.
“This will help them polish their skills as performers and get used to interacting with and performing for audiences.
“These sessions will be solid build-ups to the main event that is planned for September,” said Dyala.
