An interview with Angus from a 1000 Drawings.
Represent got in touch with Angus, the man behind a 1000 drawings. Read the interview below.
1. Hi Angus, please tell me who inspired the 1000Drawings project?
I have taken this off of our website – I think it is a good summary of how we started 1000drawings:
In 2006, Paballo, an inner-city charity faced a big problem. Its bakkie had been stolen. Paballo ya Batho (sotho for “caring for the people”) organises a mobile soup kitchen every Wednesday night to support the Jozi homeless community. The loss of the bakkie made transport of soup and bread to inner-city homeless people near impossible. Something had to be done.
A little rescue plan was dreamt up. It was hoped that a fundraiser would collect enough money for a new bakkie. In addition, it was hoped that money would be raised to help pay off some of Paballo’s debts and allow Paballo to put time and money into new endeavours. It was in an effort to address these needs that the Night of a 1000Drawings came into being. The name originates from an existing commercial model that began in America but the 1000Drawings concept now has a uniquely South African flavour as it grows and spreads around the world.
2. I see there’s a story behind a 1000 drawings, in turn, who do you aim to inspire with it?
1000Drawings seems to have a powerful appeal and attraction for those who work in typically creative industries. It allows people to explore art and drawing and engage with people who share this interest but most importantly it allows people to make an impact or change lives through interaction with the charities involved.
3. Who are the driving forces behind this project?
The project was conceptualised by Felix Frankenberger and Dave Chong and they, along with some great supporters and sponsors, managed to get volunteers together to put it all together from 2006. The project has grown and now each region has its own committee and volunteer group who put it all together.
4. Who’s eligible to draw or submit a drawing?
Absolutely anyone.
5. Will this people be credited for their artistry?
Some of the A5 drawings are donated by well-known artists but we display all the pieces together and sell each drawing for R100. Generally you would only know that you had acquired a drawing from a well-known artist after you had purchased it. We are quite strict about this as we aim to give exposure and opportunity to every artist and we want people to understand the main objective of 1000Drawings is to raise money and support charity.
6. How can people purchase these drawings and/or get involved like sponsorships and donations?
Drawings can be purchased at the Night of a 1000Drawings exhibitions and most people donate either by dropping off their art at a drop-off point or by attending the exhibition and purchasing the drawings for R100.
We have some really great sponsors who provide cash and product which allows us to host the main event at no cost. This means that all the money we raise can go to our charities. We have over 100 volunteers who work at the main events to sell the artwork. Anyone who would like to get involved should email info@1000drawings.co.za.
7. How do you valuate these drawings and where does the money go to?
All the drawings are sold for R100 and the money raised goes to our dedicated charities. There is also an entrance fee to attend the exhibition and this money is also used for our charities.
8. Where to from here with this project?
There are now groups in Holland, Belgium, and Dubai doing 1000Drawings. In South Africa the next two events are the Night of a 1000Drawings in Johannesburg in October and in Cape Town in March 2014. Bloemfontein will also be hosting their next event in 2014.
9. How often will you run display shows for a 1000 drawings?
Each city that hosts 1000Drawings has their main event every two years.
10. Summarise a 1000drawing’s purpose in two sentences.
1000Drawings is about people drawing anything, with anything on anything A5. Drawings are sold at the Night of a 1000Drawings and the funds raised are used to help and support our charity partners.
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You can get intouch with a 1000 Drawings on this various contact mediums:
info@1000drawings.co.za
+27 11 781 0439
www.facebook.com/1000drawings
