Explore sustainability concepts with the iStart2 Challenge

Artists are invited to explore one of seven sustainability concepts, to express their ideas about them and to explore original ways of promoting awareness about them.

It's about getting involved, creating awareness and inspiring people to change their perceptions about the ways in which we live. It's about exciting people with creative solutions, fresh thinking and compelling art.

About iStart2

Launched in September last year, iStart2 is an initiative to build and create a platform for people to join hands across boundaries - to connect, to create practical solutions for a more sustainable future and to creatively communicate the message of sustainability.

Pierre du Toit, the brainchild and motivating force behind the project, explains, "We are building a Sustainability-through-Arts global movement in which communities participate in re-imagining and implementing green solutions for our planet. It is a campaign built around the need to revolutionise the way we manage our environment and also how we communicate with one another about sustainability issues. iStart2 is not just what we want to do, but more importantly what we must do."

Artists

The key sustainability concepts include water, waste, energy, health & safety, people with disabilities, the elderly and indigenous people. Entries in seven categories of art: music; creative writing; dance; fine arts; applied arts and design; acting; and multimedia, will be accepted.

Entries are now open and the closing date for the submission of Artworks is 31 July 2014. Entry forms are available on the website.

Auditions and finals for the competition will be held in 27 cities and towns across South Africa with an event showcasing the winners. A 26-episode television series is planned to showcase the winners taking on sustainability challenges with lively ideas and innovative solutions.

iStart2 pioneer representatives

Non-artists can also participate in key roles as iStart2 is also calling for iStart2 pioneers. iStart2 pioneer representatives are needed in each of the allocated 27 towns and cities. Step forward and play a role: lead your district, champion your city or town, register on the site, submit your pledge and get involved in this unique movement.

In urging all interested people to register and 'like' the iStart2 Challenge Facebook page and become an iStart2 pioneer, Operations Manager Keitu Gwanga says "actions speak louder than words, so register now!"

iStart2 has three ambassadors, namely Pops Mohamed, Samkelo Radebe and Karin Hougaard. Each of them play an important role in the iStart2 movement and ultimately they serve as figures of inspiration for iStart2 Challenge entrants, pioneers and the iStart2 team. "We are extremely lucky to have such amazing people as our ambassadors. Each of them has achieved such inspiring heights and yet they are very down-to-earth people," says Brand Director Chris Keys. "Each of them brings their own extensive experience to our movement and they highlight very relevant ideas and issues. Pops Mohamed, for example, is South Africa's greatest custodian of indigenous music. We hold this in very high regard."

Not being content with just searching for undiscovered talent in our rich cultural landscape, iStart2 celebrates a host of well-known artists with the launch of a compilation CD in June this year. The CD features, amongst others, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Pops Mohamed, Jonas Gwangwa, Ntsiki Mazwai, Zubz, Karin Hougaard and Bianca le Grange.