Arts Talent Africa’s (ARTTA) Covid-19 Challenge organizes a festival for artists from 23 African countries to win prize money in an artistic challenge of painting, sculpture and others.
Under the title “ARTTA COVID-19 Challenge”, the festival aims to empower the most productive visual artists between the ages of 16 and 60 who do not have the investment and visibility they want to achieve their goals.
Inherent in its name, Arts Talent Africa is classified as an online festival created for subtle artists from 23 countries affected by the Covid-19 pandemic of all regions of Africa.
With 23 countries adding Egypt, Kenya, Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa and others, African artists will have to create a play on the theme, “The Coronavirus and its Effects on the African Community”.
Founded through Nkaze Aichetou Njoya, a Cameroonian, and co-founded through Melissa Ukamaka (CEO), a Nigerian, the organization was designed to reorganize the art industry in its countries and in Africa in general, making it more available and for artists, young and contemporary, creating a network of art enthusiasts.
Melissa says: “Art is inherent in African culture and expression, and serves as a source of income for many young people who count on their creativity as a lifeguard.However, funding your business is a challenge.
“In any case, those with monetary capacity are the ones who have advertised their art more productively through exhibitions, which in some countries would possibly be limited in their provision for reasons of adequacy and protection.”
He said Africa’s industries have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the opportunities and incomes of many, in addition to the art industry.
More than ever, he went on to say that ARTTA believes in the perspective of young Africans to turn their skills into income.
In gratitude to sponsors, namely Global Trusted Xchange, XPTech Power Limited and Skytrack West Africa Services Limited, organizers say they will now offer more talented Africans across the continent with a cash prize of $1,000, $500 and $200 for the winner, first moment and dolphin respectively.
As such, applicants will need to register on the official website, artstalentafrica.com until August 31, 2020. Shortlisted artists will have a set time frame to create an appropriate sculpture, painting, craft or other art form, after which the majority of the 10 sensible winners will be decided through a jury.
Deborah Odibo, director of public relations at ARTTA Challenge, said: “So far we have won many programs and inspired each and every African artist to maintain their artistic brain and never lose hope despite the pandemic.We urge all African artists to participate in this challenge and take this opportunity to create more wealth in the face of this global pandemic.”
© 2020 Leadership Journal