REFLECTING on the history of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) Art and Craft Centre, Rorke’s Drift, the BAT Centre presents the educational exhibition, the Tales of the Drift; A Rorke’s Drift Art Centre.
As the arts and crafts centre includes fine art, printmaking, pottery and weaving, the history of the art works will be explored during the display. Curator of the exhibition, Fortune Bengu, chatted to Tonight about its significance
“We believe the Rorke’s Drift has played a significant role in terms of arts in our country. The centre boasts renowned artists who have also played a pivotal role in South Africa and abroad.
“With this educational exhibition, we want to showcase what other centres are doing/ offering, particularly the Rorke’s Drift. The centre has been in existence for a long time and they have produced renowned artists such as Thami Jali, Sam Nhlengethwa, Kay Hassan and Bongi Dhlomo, among others. Today, these artists are celebrated for their work. Subsequently, the BAT Centre has relations with various community art centres in and outside KZN and this initiative is part of a long-term programme that we have with the centres.”
A press release states that the ELC Arts and Crafts Centre at Rorke’s Drift was established in 1963 by Swedes Ulla and Peder Govenuis. Their idea was to start an art and craft centre for black Africans that could provide artistic and craft and employment, as well as the develop-ment of African art especially for Zulu women who could become economically independent.
Bengu says he hopes that the exhibition enlightens the people of Durban about the Rorke’s Drift Art Centre and encourages schools in Durban and the surrounding areas to learn about the history of the centre: “The students can learn a lot because most of the artists they study in schools studied at the Rorke’s Drift Centre, thus making it a lot easier for them. There will also be an educational pack which will encompass a walkabout, exercises and notes. Today’s youth need to know more about the history of South African art and the Rorke’s Drift has a very important story to tell.”
According to the curator, some of the artworks are on sale and the money raised will go back to the Rorke’s Drift Centre.
• The exhibition ends July 10 at the BAT Centre at 6pm, Durban Harbour. Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 4pm. Free. Info, email Fortune Bengu at visualarts@batcentre. co.za or call 031 332 045.