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.
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Commonwealth Arts and Crafts Awards
Background information
AWARDS
KABELO EZEKIEL MODISE
VISUAL ARTIST/OIL PAINTER
VISUAL ARTIST/OIL PAINTER