Last month, the communities of Worcester and Hermanus were treated to a showcase of local craft talent as artisans gathered to exhibit their work, which concluded a CDI capacity building and product support project, funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), and with support funding from the Western Cape Provincial Government’s departments of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS).

The project supported participants of Hermanus, Swellendam and Worcester and helped them to improve their business acumen and develop new ‘Products of Place’.

Funded by the NLC and DCAS and further supported in-kind by the provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), a total of 139 craft producers and designers were supported through the project, allowing them to explore new works with a Product of Place focus while expanding their own creativity. This was achieved through a blended approach of onsite, as well as online training.

According to CDI Strategic Projects & Funding Support Manager, Fran Cox, the overall aim of the project was to capacitate existing craft producers with new skills to be able to make new works that reflect the place where the craft producers are located.

“The intention is that these Products of Place are then sold through local market opportunities; particularly outlets that have an appeal to tourists, and in doing so, helping these businesses become sustainable and profitable,” she said.

This capacity building project began in September 2023 and concluded this year with two product showcases. The first showcase was in Worcester on 14 March, at a local guesthouse called Avignon House. One of the businesses exhibiting on the day – represented by Katrina Mokwena and Marlene Baker – is part of the Hex Lappies Group that work together.

Hex Lappies was born of a conversation centred around the possibilities of connecting research and women’s artmaking in such a way that it explores the realities of the women living in the Hex Valley. It explores the women’s individual stories and records in the form of a material artefact that expresses their hopes, dreams, and experiences.

Katrina said that she was excited and encouraged by the keen interest and support expressed by the community which resulted in producers being invited to exhibit their product ranges again at the First Thursday evening Art Market in Worcester and the Groenstoor Farmer’s market, both hosted in April.

In addition to this, exhibitors were also invited to add stock to the shelves in one of the guest houses in central Worcester, The Habit Guesthouse, and will be receiving ongoing support from the Suites on 74 Gallery to catalogue their ranges; and they will also add products to the CDI’s website www.PEEK.org.za, which will ensure wider reach locally and internationally.

The final showcase event of the project was hosted on 27 March at the Hermanus Tourism Office, with attendees comprising local tourism representatives as well as residents of the coastal town.

Representing Grabouw was Jacinta Titus through her business Khoisan Sun Child – a unique brand of walking sticks that reflect Jacinta’s love of earthy colours, nature, and the natural beauty of the Overstrand. According to Jacinta, her time as part of the CDI project has helped her hone her designs as is the case with her latest piece which honours the ladies of the 100km Lighthouse to Lighthouse annual charity walk which includes detail of the Danger Point Lighthouse.

“I’ve now also started to offer my product to various lodges and guesthouses throughout the Overstrand municipality, providing them with the option to have their logo added,” she said*.

Image above: Jacinta Titus

The project in the three Western Cape regions was made possible by a grant of R612 000 from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).

“The CDI has extensive experience with projects that build the capacity of creatives to design and make products that reflect a place, and we are grateful to the NLC for their funding of this programme which will enable the participating craft artisans and designers in the three municipal areas to get this invaluable support,” said Erica Elk, CDI’s Group CEO.

“The tourism and creative sectors are key in many of these areas, contributing to local economic development, job creation and ensuring that local heritage is preserved and showcased; and that tourists’ experiences are truly memorable. We are also grateful to the Western Cape Government for their additional support for this project,” she added.

The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act and regulations guide the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The NLC wants the grants to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable, and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture, and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development.

*Credit: The Village News

Image above: Craft producers from Hermanus during the showcase

Image above: Sonja Burger, with her crocheted succulent pin cushions.