These places have made me think more about how art and history can shape the way people remember their past and understand the society they live in.
I have also gotten to see some of the challenges facing African artists through my volunteer work with Art School Africa, an organization that supports emerging African artists through education, mentorship and opportunities. While much of my work has been logistical, including helping with this organization's annual impact report, I have also been able to see workshops and exhibitions behind the scenes. This has given me a better understanding of how much work goes into creating opportunities for South African artists and how art can become a way for people to build their livelihoods. I have noticed this same relationship between creativity and making a living in my own life here, as many of my friends do creative work on the side, whether by DJing, taking photographs or creating video content. For these people, creativity is something they enjoy while also providing another way to make money and build a career.
First Thursdays, which began in Cape Town in 2012, is one of my favorite examples of how this creativity has become part of everyday life in Cape Town. On the first Thursday of every month, galleries, restaurants and shops across Cape Town stay open late, as people come out to experience the city’s art and culture. When I went to my first First Thursday earlier this month, it was the busiest I had ever seen Cape Town. The streets were packed, especially around Bree Street, where many of the galleries and restaurants are located, and there was music and something happening everywhere I looked.
