Based in Hout Bay, Lalela celebrated World Art Day yesterday (15 April) in the best way it knows how, thanks to its after-school educational arts programmes, offered to many children from under-resourced communities in South Africa and beyond.
The South African-based non-profit organisation empowers youth through art and creativity, observing the profound impact it has on the constituency it serves.
“Through our programmes we offer to youth in low-resourced settings, we have witnessed youth harness the transformative power of art to unlock opportunities and cultivate personal growth,” shared Lalela’s liaison Linda Daniels.
World Art Day has been recognised by Unesco since 2019 and serves as a platform to promote artistic development and expression among others. It highlights the profound impact of artistic creations on society and emphasises the vital role played by artists in sustainable development.
Additionally, World Art Day underscores the importance of arts education in schools because integrating culture into education makes inclusive and equitable learning environments possible, according to Unesco.org.
Founded in 2010, Lalela runs after-school educational arts programmes in primary and high schools in the Western Cape, Maboneng in Johannesburg and Zimbabwe.
Lalela’s curricula are built at the intersection of arts education, academic achievement and critical life skills, with the aim of cultivating creative expression in the youth participating in their programmes.
Daniels added that “through art, we facilitate creative and critical thinking as well as curiosity, resilience and a sense of self-mastery.”
Through their hashtag #lifechangingart, Lalela’s after-school programmes inspire learners to excel academically, define purposeful life goals, pursue meaningful careers and evolve into leaders, entrepreneurs and active citizens.
Firdous Hendricks, Executive Director of Lalela, expressed: “On World Art Day, we at Lalela celebrate the profound impact of art as a tool for transformation, activation, social innovation and social cohesion”.
She believes art serves as a universal language, bridging barriers of language and fostering connections that transcend boundaries.
“It creates a safe space for honesty and vulnerability, allowing individuals to explore and express themselves in meaningful ways. At Lalela, we believe that art is not merely about technical skill-building; it’s a catalyst for self-discovery, activism, and global exploration.”
As Lalela commemorated World Art Day, they renewed their commitment to advocate for the transformative power of the arts in shaping a brighter future for all young people to thrive.
“I often say that artists offer the cheapest form of travel because, through their work, we can experience the world beyond our immediate surroundings. World Art Day serves as a reminder of art’s ability to unite humanity and bridge divides,” Hendricks concluded.
Visit lalela.org to learn more about the impact and success stories of young people who have participated in their after-school art programmes.
