Festival Theme and Activities
This engaging opening will set the tone for the festival’s 2025 theme: Art as Healing, Nature as Muse, Spirit as Guide. As the festival progresses, participants will have the chance to dive into a lively mix of workshops, performances, and interactive exhibits that pay tribute to Tasco's vision of art as a transformative medium. Throughout the weekend, both local and international artists will come together to weave a rich tapestry of expressions, ranging from spoken word and dance to visual art and music, all resonating with the festival's core theme.
Community and Connection
In the spirit of community and connection, designated spaces will encourage open dialogues where participants can share their own stories and inspirations, fostering a sense of belonging and collective creativity. Additionally, the festival will offer guided nature walks, inviting attendees to reconnect with the natural environment and draw inspiration from its beauty, much like Tasco did in his own creations.
Special Highlights
A standout moment will be the unveiling of a mural dedicated to Tasco, crafted by emerging artists who have been guided by his artistic philosophy. This living tribute will stand as a lasting reminder of his influence and the enduring capacity of art to heal and unite.
As the festival comes to a close, a closing ceremony will gather everyone for a celebration of community spirit, with a commitment to uphold Tasco's legacy of utilising art to inspire change and promote unity.
About the Artists
A reputable communication professional with a soft spot for self-sustainable community media projects, Tonjeni firmly believes that stories of unsung arts and culture activists should be shared more on broadcast platforms like community radio and spaces like BlackPowerStation
Tonjeni, who is also a die-hard supporter, fan, and patron of the National Arts Festival, attended about fifteen (15) Natfest editions back-to-back without fail from 2000- 2015.
He believes a talk or commemoration about our local arts cultural matyrs living or dearly departed can be employed to reflect on the artists' legacy, significance, and cultural contribution so it can be shared far and wide. For example, artists like Ayanda Nndlwana, Rocky Mngcongo, and Xola Mali, to name but a few,
Throughout this decade and a half, Tonjeni has seen generations of artists from Makhanda who have made an indelible mark on the art and culture stage, even though their names are less celebrated.
He is more interested in such stories and how such views, works of artistic expression, or cultural value work. Their contributions can be revisited, retold, and shared before they are archived.
These are stories, views, and contributions worthy of being retold, according to Tonjeni.
It is based on these reasons that the story of Thandazile Thasco Madinda was found to be befitting being celebrated and retold.
- Venue: The Black Power Station
- Location: The Old Power Station
- Programme type: The Fringe
- Genre: The Black Power Station Session
- Duration: From 1pm till late
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Ages:
PG (PARENTAL GUIDANCE)
There are no performances for this show.
