Yards of Art - RC of Sandton

JOHANNESBURG, 28 OCTOBER 2021 – The arts and culture industry has experienced significant economic setbacks from COVID-19. Across the spectrum of artistic and creative endeavours, restrictions on gatherings, changes in consumer behaviour (voluntary or otherwise), and severe unemployment have taken a devastating toll on the sector.

The Sandton Rotary Club is taking action and hosting The Yards of Art Festival, an art exhibition featuring over twenty local South African artists.  The Sandton Rotary club in service of the communities around them hosts fund raising events that, amongst other things benefit communities, children and families affected by poverty.  They have also conducted river and community clean up days all in an effort to bring out the best in people. Rotary aims to teach people and communities about ethics, humanity, cultural awareness, people skills and the desire and ability to serve.

The Yards of Art Festival is yet another Rotary event aimed at rebuilding and assisting artist to reconnect with their fellow art lovers and sell their artwork. “For more than 110 years, Rotarians have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our communities in a sustainable way,” says Val Thompson, Sandton Rotary Club Rotarian and Programme Manager for the Yards of Art Festival.

Festival goers can look forward to hearing from the winners of the Sandton Rotary Club Poetry Competition.  The poetry competition winners in the two age categories announced on International Poetry Day in February will recite their winning entries and receive their prizes at the festival.

Attendees will also be given a chance to test their talent by participating in a still life drawing. Festival organisers have produced unique deck chair frames, specially made from rosewood. Artists were invited to paint the canvas seats – each chair is an original work of art. They will be sold by silent auction, closing at noon on Sunday 14^th.

The festival will take place at Victoria Yards, 16 Viljoen Street, Lorentzville, Johannesburg.  Safe parking will be available for festival visitors and the large open exhibition space will allow for all Covid regulations to be applied.  Cash bars and food stalls will also form part of all the festivities on the weekend starting 12 November to 14 November.

Opening night is on Friday 12 November 2021 – doors open from 18:00 to 20:00

On Saturday and Sunday 13-14 November 2021 – doors open from 9:00 to 17:00.

Tickets are available on www.sandtonrotary.org.za

Any queries about the Yards of Art Festival can be sent to Val Thompson on yardsofartfestival@gmail.com