Following the release of their dot-to-dot colouring book in 2023, Prof. Zanele Muholi was invited to host a book launch accompanied with a workshop at the Rupert Museum in partnership with Art School Africa, Muholi Arts Institute, Anelisa Mangcu, founder of Under the Aegis and the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography.
Art School Africa, a non-profit organization, serves as a dynamic and nurturing space for aspiring artists, curators, and writers. The organisation provides an avenue of educational resources and tools that help young creatives hone their craft and advance their careers. Through a collaborative community environment, Art School Africa encourages open dialogue and mutual support, empowering individuals to thrive in their artistic journeys and professional growth.
Similarly, the Muholi Art Institute, founded Professor Zanele Muholi, is dedicated to empowering young, emerging artists in creating work that reflects both their personal narratives and broader societal issues. Located in Cape Town ‘s city centre on Roeland Street, the Institute offers a vital space for creativity, providing resources for artists from across the Western Cape and beyond. It nurtures a supportive environment for collaboration and exhibition, facilitating the creation of art that challenges conventional boundaries.
As Muholi developed the dot-to-dot colouring book, it became more than just a creative activity for children—it evolved into a powerful tool for sparking dialogue about LGBTQI+ issues within the Black South African community. The book was designed not only as a means of artistic expression, but also as a platform to encourage conversations between adults and children, fostering understanding, empathy, and awareness around LGBTQI+ identities in a culturally relevant context.
The Connect the Dots workshop served as the physical manifestation of the book’s intentions, bringing its themes into real-world spaces. This workshop provided a unique opportunity for learners and institutions to engage directly with the content, encouraging open and meaningful exchanges about inclusion and acceptance. Learners from the seven High Schools in Stellenbosch had the privilege of attending the Connect the Dots workshop and book launch. The high school learners were joined by photography students from the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography who supported in the role of mentors. Through this initiative, Muholi's work transcended the page, creating a shared space for education, reflection, and community-building around LGBTQI+ rights and visibility.
The Connect the Dots workshop forms part of a series of inspiring educational activities aligned to the Stellenbosch Outdoor Photography Exhibition curated by Anelisa Mangcu, founder of Under the Aegis, presented by Stellenbosch Triennale and patron with Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth, at the Rupert Museum located in Stellenbosch.
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