THE PEOPLE OF JOZI CAME OUT IN DROVES TO SUPPORT THE NIGHT OF A 1000DRAWINGS
The much anticipated Night of a 1000Drawings took place on Thursday 7 November 2013 at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown, Johannesburg. This bi-annual event saw record-breaking numbers, both of people through the door and artworks sold.
Event creator Felix Frankenberger said “We are humbled by the enthusiasm and dedication of the public that donated over 3000 doodles. The ideas and quality of drawings we received were amazing, if not revolutionary, and made this event possible in the first place.”
Over 1700 people attended the exhibition, and 1275 artworks were sold. A percentage of profits from the sale of food and alcohol has also been added to the bounty, amounting to a grand total of R170 000, all of which goes directly to the charities.
The three charities being supported this year are Paballo ya Batho, Mmabana Foundation and Intuthuko Embroideries. “On behalf of Paballo ya Batho, I would like to thank all the people from all walks of life who donated their drawings, and those who came in big numbers to buy the drawings. I’d also like to thank all the volunteers that came out to help; students from the University of Johannesburg, the RAG Committee and medical students from Wits Medical School – thanks so much for your precious time! The money raised will be used for our feeding scheme and also skill development projects for the homeless people in the inner-city of Johannesburg” said Samuel Mugambe, the project coordinator for Paballo.
Although the event is primarily a fundraising initiative which sees thousands of donated A5 artworks being sold at a one-night-only inner-city art exhibition, it is also about democratising art – it is art by the people, for the people. In this way, artists are invited to express their talents on the night across various platforms and mediums.
This year’s event saw roaming tattoo artists drawing on those that were willing to offer up their limbs as canvases. Chalk artists created a massive artwork live as exhibition-goers looked on. And in a crowded courtyard, 7 of South Africa’s best graffiti artists had an hour to create their graffiti masterpiece. So impressed were the crowd with the artists’ graffiti work that many offered to purchase the 2m x 3m boards, providing an unexpected and welcome boost to the night’s profits.
Not only were exhibition-goers treated to over 3000 artworks for sale, but live DJ’s and bands entertained them late into the night. Impande Core, Carri Wolfe and The Stella’s took to the stage while DJ’s Pasta, Ultra-Mel, and Pizo & JT kept the tunes pumping between sets.
1000Drawings have many people and organisations to thank, without whose involvement and support, the event would not have happened. Thanks to partners Sci-Bono for the free use of the venue. Converse, Red Bull, Adobe and PG Bison for the generous donation of their products for prizes. Sponsors Campbell and Campbell, Selbys, PlayStation and Fritz Seyter for the donation of much needed funds and resources.
As the Night of a 1000Drawings is a charity initiative, the success of the event relies heavily on the participation of volunteers. This year we had volunteers from each of the charities, students and individuals who answered our call for help. This motley crew of volunteers worked tirelessly hanging artwork, directing exhibition-goers and traffic, attaching wristbands and facilitating artwork sales. 1000Drawings are indebted to these wonderful people who gave so generously of their time and talents!
And of course, thanks must be given to the big-hearted people of Jozi, who donated their A5 artworks, hosted Drop Boxes at their coffee shops and businesses, attended the Doodle Sessions, told all their friends and family to attend the main event, and of course did too. Their support of this initiative over the years has grown exponentially, and it is their support that ensures that the nominated charities can continue the good work they do for the people of this city.
Next year the Night of a 1000Drawings will be going to Cape Town, and will form part of the official programme for World Design Capital 2014! Don’t fret – this doesn’t mean that Jo’burgers can’t get involved. Keep checking the website, Facebook and Twitter pages for updates.
