| Young artists are on show at CIT:Y |
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| Written by Brenda Masilela | |
| Monday, 13 October 2008 | |
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All manner of artistic expression forms part of the CIT:Y Festival, a platform for arts students from several tertiary institutions to show their work. 
Khumbelo's poster
YOUNG Joburg artists will be exhibiting their work at the third annual CIT:Y Festival, opening on 15 October at Museum Africa, in Newtown. The aim behind the festival, which is part of the annual month-long Arts Alive programme, is to give young artists a platform to show their work, as well as the opportunity to take their careers forward. More than 50 students in the design, film, visual arts, crafts, performing arts, broadcasting and audio sectors will be participating in the festival. They are drawn from the many tertiary institutions in Johannesburg that offer training in a broad-cross section of the creative industries. Among the participating schools are AFDA, the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance; the film and television, and fine arts departments at the University of the Witwatersrand; the Market Photo Workshop; Moving Into Dance Mophatong and Artist Proof Studios. "This year's CIT:Y Festival includes everything from the more traditional creative pursuits, like textile design, to contemporary areas, like film-making and multimedia," explains Brad Holmes, the chief financial officer of Arts Alive. "It gives great insight into the multiple institutions that offer creative training in Johannesburg as well as the talented individuals who are preparing for careers in the creative industries. "There will also be live performances of music and dance from Wits university and Moving Into Dance." CIT:Y is part of the Alive Arts Alive programme and is sponsored by Arts Alive, the City's arts, culture and heritage directorate, and the MTN SA Foundation. The foundation's general manager, Eunice Maluleke, says that her organisation plays a crucial role in the festival. Through it, several students will be awarded bursaries worth R20 000 each for further study in the creative industries. "Emerging artists are vulnerable at this early stage of their professional development, for without support and encouragement many re-consider the arts as a career option. The MTN SA Foundation recognises the need to encourage such artists, as it is them who will drive South Africa's cultural environment in the future." The creative industries are creating an important platform for entrepreneurs and talented young South Africans to make real careers while also contributing to the development aesthetic of the country, she says. In addition, the festival will showcase various courses for those interested in pursuing a career in the cultural industries. The CIT:Y Festival opens on Wednesday, 15 October and runs until 31 October at Museum Africa, in Newtown. Entrance is free. For more information, contact Vanessa Perumal on 083 268 1446 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Museum Africa is at 121 Bree Street, Newtown. Arts Alive is an annual City programme that runs through September. It features a variety of local and international artists, working in all fields of art, at a number of venues. It kicks off with Jazz on the Lake, a day of music at Zoo Lake, and offers a smorgasbord of music, art, theatre, dance, film and other forms of artistic expression and culture. Related stories: |
