Fabulous prizes galore in Soweto design competition

22 September 2016

 

As the revival of the iconic Jabulani Cultural Precinct around the Soweto Theatre continues to gain momentum, the Joburg Property Company (JPC) is offering almost R40 000 to artists who can come up with the most creative steel sculptures for the project.

 

JPC, the entity that manages the City of Johannesburg’s property portfolio, is calling on artists and designers in Soweto to submit their designs for steel sculptures between now and Friday September 30, the end of the National Heritage Month.

The competition is divided into four categories: street furniture, gateways, architectural follies and landmark signage. The artworks will be permanent fixtures in the cultural precinct, which surrounds the Soweto Theatre and the Jabulani Amphitheatre, whose restoration is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

“The original heritage structure is being dismantled to meet today’s health and safety standards. The material will then be recycled and used for the Steel Art Challenge,” says Project Manager Nkosana Ngobese.

The iconic Jabulani Amphitheatre was built in 1952. For many years during the struggle for liberation it was used for political gatherings and music festivals. The new amphitheatre will consist of an auditorium to accommodate up to 3 000 people. The JPC’s objective is to transform and create opportunities through property by using various initiatives. 

The first prize in the sculptures category is R10 000, with the runner-up standing to win R7 000. In the gateways category, the winner will walk away with R5 000, whereas the second-placed entrant will pocket R3 000. In the street furniture section, two top designers will each win R3 000, whereas the winner in the architectural folly category will walk away with R7 000. Others stand to win R2 000 each.

The competition’s entry forms are available on the Soweto Theatre’s website at www.sowetotheatre.com or WhatsApp on 076 515 6358.

The winners will be announced at the end of November. For more information, contact Ngobese on 076 515 6358 or carnivalartcreations@ gmail.com.