AWARDS BACKGROUND The Commonwealth Arts and Crafts Award is given to young artists and craftspeople who have shown promise and initiative in their own country but who have had little opportunity to work in another country. The award exists to promote cultural dialogue and understanding. Its aim is to encourage the sharing of artistic experience and traditions within the Commonwealth. The award gives artists and craftspeople the chance to share their skills, exchange ideas, develop their talents and contribute to the development of a network of artists around the Commonwealth. Artists are chosen not only on the basis of their artwork, which must be strong, original and have its own voice, but also on their personal qualities. Judges select people who will make the most of the opportunity the award offers, who have a desire to extend their horizons and learn from and share with others, and who are resourceful and self-reliant enough to organise and manage their award.   The scheme was established in 1987, and since then has benefited over 80 artists from over 30 different countries. Awards are usually offered every two years, with the selection process taking place in one year and the visits taking place in the next. The Award has a rigorous selection process involving artists and arts administrators from many different cultures. There were around 170 applicants for the Awards in 2005, from which 11 winners were chosen. Awards are given to cover the cost of travel to, and a period spent working in, a Commonwealth country other than the winner’s own country. The visit culminates in an exhibition of the artist’s work. Award winners are encouraged to meet and work alongside local artists and communities, and to share their experience, skills and knowledge in a two-way dialogue. The awards are administered by the Commonwealth Foundation. About the Commonwealth Foundation The Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation of the Commonwealth, which receives its core funding from the governments of Commonwealth countries. The mission of the Commonwealth Foundation is to work to enhance the role of civil society organisations in governance, democracy, sustainable development and culture by strengthening their institutional and human capacity, and by creating opportunity and space for their partnership, participation, advice and leadership, thereby achieving lasting improvements in the condition of Commonwealth peoples. Culture and diversity is one of the three strategic areas on which the Foundation focuses. . Commonwealth Arts and Crafts Awards Background information AWARDS KABELO EZEKIEL MODISE VISUAL ARTIST/OIL PAINTER VISUAL ARTIST/OIL PAINTER