On Thursday the 8th of September an exhibition opening was held at the Grand in Granger Bay where work produced by young people from Cape Town was on display. The young men whose work was exhibited are all participants in Mamelani’s Youth Development Programme, Project Lungisela, that prepares young people for the transition out of state care, particularly children’s homes. This photography project was developed in partnership with The Studio Bernard Viljoen Foundation, who is based in Johannesburg. The Foundation was established in January 2010 to provide skills development projects, with photography as the medium, to marginalized youth.
The opening night was a big night for the young people. There was a great turnout, with guests being welcomed with beautiful music played by children from Masidlale Violin Project. The photographs were a testament to the incredible talent that these young men have, with all photographs having been taken with disposable cameras. Many people commented on the quality of the work and the real skill that has been developed in the 6-month programme. The photographs will be on display and for sale for the month of September – so all are invited to visit and support.
