RETRO Good Night Market tonight at the Watershed

 

Come and enjoy the eighties and nineties at the Watershed!

Visit the Keiskamma Art Project stand to view our new beautiful red on white Indalo fabric!

The Good Night Market gets better and better!

Yes, its all happening this Wednesday the 29th July at the Watershed.

                    New Discoveries. New Exhibitions.

Come and see our latest new products, as modelled by founder of the Keiskamma Trust, Carol Hofmeyr. A rare sighting and warrants a big tick in the Bird Book.......

Soft and warm, we have a wide range of felted mohair and woollen scarves.

Its here....... Wednesday 8th July

This day has arrived, fresh and new. Are you ready for...........

Keiskamma Music Academy's INDALO Performance, 10am @ Memory Hall, Grahamstown

Then head to Christ Church Hall, Speke Street @ 3pm for the official opening of the Keiskamma Art Project's INTSIKIZI Exhibition and Book Launch, with Xhosa and English storytellers

Browse and buy beautiful products and smaller artworks at the Keiskamma Shop attached to the exhibition

Goodnight Market at Watershed, Cape Town

Don't forget this Wednesday evening's Goodnight Market at the Watershed, Waterfront. Dress warmly and come and enjoy the buzz...

Isango students who have passed the learners drivers license last Monday...congratulations to them, and we looking forward for a positive results for those who have not write yet!!

Flo, Franck and Clarisse leave Keiskamma Trust and Hamburg soon.

It is with great sadness that Keiskamma Trust says "Au Revoir" to Flo, Franck and Clarisse Danais.

A multi talented family who have left their own unique marks within the community.

Frank, a passionate environmentalist and organic gardener "leaves lovely fertile places" around the village! The produce garden he established  behind the Treatment Centre, will be named Franck's Garden in his honour. From this.......

To this...........

Flo, no less passionate in her managing of the Keiskamma Art Project, and establishing Capoeira and Ballet in Hamburg!

"The difference Flo has made to the management of the Art Project leaves us with systems in place and an understanding of the way money is used" Carol Hofmeyr

Such a sense of humour......

Clarisse, promising artist, collector, adventurer, natural scientist and keen life observer!

Many closely observed drawings and illustrated poems were freely given and are set among prized possessions within the homes of the community.
  

All the best in your new ventures

The Indalo Project at Grahamstown National Arts Festival 2015

 This has been a year long programme encompassing art, music and creative development around the theme of Birds and the role they play in traditional amaXhosa life, culminating in the performances, exhibitions, book launch and workshops at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival 2015.

EVENTS:

Keiskamma Music Academy:

 Indalo Performances 8th July @ 10.00, 9th July @ 18.30,
  10th July @ 14.00, 11th July @16.00, 12th July @ 10.00

                  Venue:                       Memory Hall


Keiskamma Art Project:

Art Exhibition of  "Intsikizi Tapestries" 2nd July to 12th July

                  Venue:               Christ Church Hall

 Official Opening with storytellers Wednesday 8th July @15.00


Book Launch: 

 Keiskamma Book of Birds by Carol Hofmeyr and the Keiskamma Art Project

A beautiful book explaining the stories told in the "Intsikizi Tapestries" (Ground Hornbill)
                         Wednesday 8th July @ 15.00

                   Venue:   Christ Church Hall

Evensong:

A dedication of the "Lady Chapel" embroidery by artist Nombuyiselo Malumbezo
                   Friday 3rd July @ 17.30

                   Venue: Grahamstown Cathedral

Fun Learning Opportunities:

Intlantsi Creative Development Programme is running workshops comprising dramatized storytelling using birds as reference. Kids will make bird stick puppets and create a short story animated by their puppets.
Wednesday 8th July @ 12.00 to 14.00 and Thursday 9th July @ 10.00 to 12.00

                    Venue: Christ Church Hall


Outreach Activities also scheduled

Grahamstown National Arts Festival 2015 hosting Keiskamma Trust's " Indalo" Project

Isango! New Students at Keiskamma

 

A new and exciting initiative kicked off this month within the Art programme. Mercedes Benz SA, recognising the expertise of the Hamburg artists and the importance of skills training for unemployed youth, are funding a 1-year pilot programme for up to 40 new students. At the beginning of March we launched the new bridging programme, aptly named 'Isango' (the gate) with a taster day to explain to interested young local people what the course of study would include. All students will begin withdrawing classes to be followed by foundation classes in various artistic disciplines- ceramics, textiles and embroidery, print-making and ......... All work and research will be based around themes; the first three months is focusing on South African Birds, to be followed by Environment and then People & Culture. There will also be English and Maths support, but lessons are to be very practical and closely linked with the current theme. Business and Life Skills complete the initial programme. There are also plans for further diversification for committed students, giving them opportunities to try out hospitality, driving and other options.

 

We have made a good start on this ambitious programme. Students are now signed up and have each received a bag of basic stationery and art materials. Some students are embroidering their bags to create their own personal statement. All their work is being recorded in a journal. For most of these young people this is their first exposure to a vibrant creative education. So they bring a fresh and infectious enthusiasm. 

 

No doubt there will be challenges up ahead. For some of our senior artists this is their first experience of being 'tutors'. We shall also struggle to have the staff to deliver a pilot programme that is as consistent and robust as we would wish. We hope that during the year some international volunteer teachers will visit and offer their skills to complement the basic schedule. We hope that our new students will have the courage and commitment to stick with this new venture.

 

Meanwhile, one of our students, Aviwe had this to say about her experiences so far:

 

I  ENJOYED THE FELTING LEASON

You choose a suitable work surface than can tolerate water and place and old towel and spread the wool on it.

It was quite exciting to work with felt, because have learnt a lot. I did not know that I can make something creative and nice on wool without using a needle o sewing machine.

This workshop opened my mind to such an extent that it drawn my attention to Art. I never know Art is broad and wild I was looking it at one dimension but  now I learnt  something new because this workshop teach me how to make something out of nothing.

Keiskamma Music Academy on tour in Cape Town with the National Arts Council

Magic Flutes in Cape Town!!

Keiskamma Music Academy was delighted to be taking part in the 1st South African Galway Flute Festival hosted by the doyen of British flute playing, Sir James Galway and his lovely wife Lady Jeanne Galway in Cape Town between 17 - 21 February 2015.  Keiskamma Music Academy's top performers from 2014's music examinations Sambesiwe Mavela and Wonke Mapuma were accompanied by KMA's Head Anthony Drake and Katharina Appel, one of our hard-working volunteers from Germany (who is also a flautist). 

The week was exceptionally busy with workshops and master classes beginning at 9 am and sometimes finishing at 9 pm.  Scrumptious vegetarian lunches were supplied by the Baxter restaurant.  Evenings were also rounded off with incredible recitals given by Sir James Galway, Lady Jeanne Galway, pianist Anne Marshall as well as stunning flautists Gabriele von Durckheim, Liesl Stoltz, Bridget Rennie Salonen and Marlene Verwey.

Learning a range of general flute and practice techniques was an extremely eye-opening experience for Sambesiwe & Wonke for whom this was their first visit to the Mother City.  Many teaching techniques were also demonstrated which were of great benefit to both Kathie and Anthony.  On one of the days, everyone did have the opportunity for a quick visit to Cape Town's beautiful Waterfront with magnificent views of Table Mountain.  Sambesiwe, Wonke & Kathie took part in the final public concert at the Baxter Concert Hall where around 100 flute players performed together.

Both students were buzzing when they returned to Hamburg! Sambe explained;

''It was brilliant. The highlights for me were watching Sir James play and his morning 'warm-ups' and being taught by Lady Galway. It made me want to be the next Sir James!! When I came back I practised so much, even for the first time ever on a Saturday night! I want to thank both Sir James and Lady Jeannie for making me love and appreciate music even more and for opening my eyes to just how amazing music can be...''

Indeed we are all sincerely grateful to the Galways for their generous sponsorship of Keiskamma Music Academy students to be able to attend this event and eagerly anticipate the 2nd South African Galway Flute Fesitval in 2016!

Our Imaginations take Flight! A Story-telling Workshop for our Artists

The Art Project enjoyed an inspiring story-telling workshop from February 2^nd – 6^th. Zukiswa Pakama. originates from Hamburg, went on to study Journalism and now works in Cape Town. She was asked by Carol to lead the sessions on the theme of Birds and the Environment, especially to inspire our artists for the production of the new major works for Grahamstown Festival 2015.

We learned and shared songs about birds, we found out how birds can be omens and we found out how the bird feathers can be used in different ways, for instance by the Masai people of Kenya or by the Sangomas here. We talked about the relationship between birds and humans, and we compared traditional stories about birds with some interesting scientific facts. For instance, did you know that the Kori bustard weighs a magnificent 19 kilos?! Or that the Intsikizi Southern Hornbill can predict the weather!

One afternoon we had visitors to our workshop from the UK, so we took the opportunity to tell our own bird stories and sing songs. It was a wonderful celebration of the new ideas that we had been sharing.

By the end of the week we felt excited to begin designing our new works of art and to integrate some of the important facts and myths that Zuki and our artist colleagues introduced us to. We are continuing our research into local birds and stories about them and you will all enjoy the finished pieces in Grahamstown this winter; colourful, vibrant and bursting with our imaginations!

Nomfusi Nkani

Brenda Fishwick

Top 30 Under 30's... Angalakha Mangwane!

Angalakha Mangwane is a young 'mover and shaker' in the Hamburg community and she was recently honoured by being selected as one of the 'Top 30 Under 30's' by the Alberta (Canada) Council for Global Cooperation. This award recognises thirty youth both from Alberta and the global south who are making a difference in the world.

Angalakha was invited to a celebratory launch in Alberta; sadly it's a little too far just to pop over from Hamburg! However, we are hopeful that her community involvement and leadership skills will give her the wings to fly before too long!

Exhibition at Mogalakwena Gallery | 3 Church Streeet | Cape Town | 5 Feb - 30 Apr 2015

SEWING A HISTORY OF HEALING

Group exhibition of Textile Art created by Mogalakwena, Heartworks, Willemien de Villiers, Sally Scott, Ronel Jordaan, Celia de Villiers, Gina Niederhumer, Keiskamma, Woza Moya. 

Gallery

Mogalakwena exhibits works that reflect cultural aspects of the African Continent. Please join us for a glass of wine while viewing our current exhibition now open on the ground floor of no 3 Church street, Cape Town CBD. 

Information and text: First Thursdays Cape Town 

http://www.first-thursdays.co.za/highlights/#/mogalakwena-gallery/

Vacancy: Music Programme Administrator/Recorder Specialist Teacher

We are excited to invite applications for an opening in the position of Music Programme Administrator/Recorder Specialist Teacher. Based in Hamburg, Eastern Cape, South Africa, the Music Programme Administrator/Recorder Specialist Teacher will aid the Music Programme Manager in advancing the music education and development of students at our Music Academy, a flourishing music outreach programme and integral part of the The Keiskamma Trust. 

The Keiskamma Music Academy

The Academy was founded in 2006 by Helen Vosloo, one of South Africa’s leading classical musicians. In 2013, one hundred and three children and adolescents are students at the Music Academy and its expansion project to neighbouring villages. Primary solo tuition is on recorder; all students learn the basis of classical and indigenous music through their recorder studies, in addition to theory classes and ensemble work with indigenous African instruments. Highly motivated senior students take up an orchestral instrument as well. Over fifteen students now study a range of orchestral instruments including cello, clarinet, flute, guitar, oboe, piano, trombone, trumpet, and violin among others. 

The unique sound of the Music Academy Ensemble incorporates recorders, orchestral instruments, and indigenous instruments including marimba, uhadi bow, and drums. In 2011, our Ensemble toured to Cape Town and Stellenbosch where twelve advanced students performed as soloists with Camerata Tinta Barocca. This was followed by a Christmas tour of the Garden Route with performances at exclusive resorts and game parks. In 2012, our Standard Bank Ovation Award-winning production at the National Arts Festival was followed with a series of performances for the French Season in South Africa 2012. In 2013, four students had the opportunity to perform in Hamburg, Germany to celebrate the exhibition of The Keiskamma Altar work at Christuskirche Wandsbeck. Following that was a presentation of Keiskamma Carnival in the Arena Programme of the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. The Keiskamma Music Academy is currently preparing for their new production, 'Indalo' (Nature), to showcase at The National Arts Festival in Grahamstown in July 2015.

Music Programme Administrator/Recorder Specialist Teacher.

The incoming Music Programme Administrator/Recorder Specialist Teacher will be hired on a one-year renewable contract with a preliminary probation period of six months. Applications are welcome from South Africa and internationally. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong background in recorder performance and teaching, but all applications with music education qualifications will be considered. We look forward to welcoming a new Music Programme Administrator/Recorder Specialist Teacher at an exciting time of program expansion and broadening horizons specifically for community-wide sustainability and youth development work. The ideal candidate will continue the rigour and excellence of the existing programme while bringing in their own new ideas and unique strengths. 

Desired Qualifications

Bachelors 

Skills Required

- Bachelors in music performance or related field

- Excellent oral and written communication skills

- A strong record of teaching and dedication to teaching excellence

- Experience in an administrative role

- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently

- Good time-management, detail-oriented, and self-motivated

- Comfortable working in a small collaborative team environment

- Takes pleasure in enabling and supporting others to be effective in their work

- Ability to handle a diverse workload and multitask as needed

- Experience in music performance, music education, or music technology desired

Remuneration: R120 000 per annum based on qualifications and experience. 

Starting date: 15 April 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Education: Assist the Music Programme Manager in the music education of over one hundred and three students, including recorder lessons, orchestral lessons, music theory, aural skills, and basic musicianship; facilitate and deliver solo and ensemble music tuition, primarily on the recorder; supervise the selection of appropriate solo and ensemble repertoire, following the UNISA syllabus for solo repertoire in preparation for exams; assist in the coordination of new ensemble music arrangements from internal or external composers; assist in the supervision of preparation and entry for practical and theory exams and competitions; plan and deliver music workshops for the full student enrollment; facilitate education on indigenous instruments, including but not limited to marimbas and traditional Xhosa instruments; assist in the supervision and training of student teachers; encourage a music pedagogy that strives for excellence and uplift; cultivate a positive learning atmosphere. 

2. Performance Management: Prepare students for performances; plan concert programmes; assist with the preparation of concert publications, including promotional materials and posters; assist with concert organization and marketing; assist in the development of repertoire for major productions, such as the National Arts Festival, tour programs, or recording projects. 

3. Operational and Administrative Responsibilities: Supervise the maintenance of all Music Academy property, including instruments, music library, and buildings; assist with publicity, including blog writing, newsletters, YouTube, Facebook, and interviews; assist with administrative reporting. 

Applicants are welcomed to apply via UK Music Jobs for an information package including a detailed job description and background on our Music Academy. 

All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae which outline the applicant’s experience as relevant to the job description, as well as email and phone contact details for two references who can speak to the applicant’s experience in music education.

Please email simon@keiskamma.org for applications or for any extra information.