In an effort to promote local artists, the Noordhoek Studio Open is able to raise funds for charity and give incredible exposure to its resident artists.
Noordhoek, South Africa (20 April 2023) – Every year, the artists of Noordhoek open their home studios to the public in an effort to raise money for charity and have their work seen by a greater audience. Over the last few years, they have managed to raise a whopping R40,000 for MasiSports and Art.
MasiSports was launched in 2017 when Ukhanyo Primary School had only one sport and physical training coach, one netball court and a short sprint track, no school kit or proper equipment, and only netball teams played inter-school matches.
When headmaster Michael Tyhali arrived at the school in 2000, there was no sports field or art facilities.
But thanks to the passion of Tyhali and his team, and the support of MasiSports and Art and a network of non-governmental players, Ukhanyo now has a different story to tell.
These days, the school grounds are a frenzy of happy activity after school as boys and girls participate in a range of sports and art classes. Overseeing the activities is a squad of coaches, who also act as mentors and life coaches.
Key to this transformation has been the work of MasiSports and Arts, along with NGO partner Masicorp; life-skills partner Coolplay; and cycling partners CTCT, BenBike, PedalPower and Qhubeka. The project also extends to Masiphumelele High School, where two netball courts were constructed and netball, soccer, chess, rugby and cycling were introduced.
Cricket legend Vince van der Bijl is the driving force behind MasiSports and Art at the school. Over the past five years he has worked closely with Ukhanyo to ensure that its children have improved access to both of these.
“Sport and life skills have been a game changer. MasiSports and Art has enabled the school’s sporting and artistic dreams. The learners who are involved in sport have improved their marks, time-keeping and discipline are enhanced and litter at the school has miraculously disappeared!” says Tyhali.
“Others now see us as a school of choice, with excellence at the centre. The list of social ills in this area goes on and on, but parents tell me that children don’t want to miss sports.”
Last year saw MasiSport and Art launch the incredible 60x30m Ingrid Wheeler astroturf field, to add to the school’s three astroturf cricket nets and two artificial fields. This field has allowed Ukhanyo to host interschool matches, but it’s true power reaches beyond sport as it enables integration across local schools, and furthers the MasiSports and Art vision of a rainbow nation in the South Peninsula.
“I never thought in my time as headmaster we would host inter-schools matches at Ukhanyo,” said Tyhali. “Our teams will be cheered on by parents, learners, staff and the community. It’s a dream come true.”
Noordhoek Open Studios
Hoping to continue adding to the work being done at the school, the annual Noordhoek Open Studios is happening again this year. It is set to take place on the 5th and 6th of May 2023 where members of the public can visit local artists in their home studios to not only see them work, but to also purchase pieces.
“We are very excited to have over 20 artists participating with our Open Studios this year,” says organiser and artist, Aimee Kruger. “This year we have a lovely variety of mixed art mediums from sculpture, pottery, paintings, photography, to bonsais, catering for all tastes!”
The event, which originally started in 1990, has become an annual event celebrating not only the artists of Noordhoek, but all that the special valley has to offer from beautiful homes, amazing restaurants to breathtaking views.
The Noordhoek Open Studios has once again teamed up with MasiSports and Art as their charity organisation. All proceeds from the sale of tickets to visit the various studios will be donated to MasiSports and Arts to help them to continue the incredible work they are doing at Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele.
“Over the past two years we have been able to donate over R40 000.00 to MasiSports and Arts!” says Aimee.
“Both sport and art, have the ability to change lives for the better. Ukhanyo has seen a remarkable improvement in the learner’s grades, time keeping and overall self-discipline since starting on the sports and art programme! If opening our studios can help make a difference to these children’s lives, then we are only too happy to be a part of this special journey for them.”
The studios are open each day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The studios are well signposted, and maps can be collected from Noordhoek Art Point Gallery on Noordhoek Main Road or found online. Day passes are R100, weekend passes are R150, or R20 per studio, with pensioner specials and all children under 18 years old free. This is a cash-only event.
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