School children create art, hold exhibitions, sell their art and ultimately raise sponsorships and other funds to make the project self-sustaining. School children create art, hold exhibitions, sell their art and ultimately raise sponsorships and other funds to make the project self-sustaining.
Says Mampe Ntsedi from the NMCF, “We have chosen to partner with Room 13 as we believe in the projects philosophy of sustainable development and nurturing expression, life skills and entrepreneurship.
“We have personally visited the school in Soweto and we are so proud of the achievements, enthusiasm and artistic talent displayed by the learners. We are delighted to be involved with the expansion of these studios throughout South African schools as the project focuses on core life skills to nurture future talent,” Ntsedi continues.
Currently Room 13 has two studios in South Africa, one in Sapebuso Primary School in Soweto and one in Mmulakgoro Intermediary School in Botshabelo. It aims to grow the number of these schools substantially in 2007.
The project continues to appeal to donors for support as the agreement with Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund is that they will match every rand that other donors put in.
Marie Jamieson, group strategic director for TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris says: “We are very pleased that the NMCF has chosen to support Room 13. Its assistance will undoubtedly help us expand Room 13 to other disadvantaged schools, so that more children can benefit.
“This is a unique programme that teaches children the business of art as well as developing all forms of creative expression such as music, painting, photography, praise poetry and dance. NMCF have completely entered into the spirit of the project – which is wonderful,” concludes Jamieson.
Support from NMCF has also sparked renewed interest from the international arena, as Room 13 also has studios operating in the UK and India.
