Enhance and professionalize young talents through photography
|
SINCE
2012, OVER BENEFICIARIES
|
OVER 40 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED |
OVER 20EXHIBITIONS, RESIDENCIES AND CULTURAL EVENTS ORGANIZED IN SOUTH AFRICA AND INTERNATIONALLY |
For the past nine years, Rubis Mécénat, together with Easigas, Rubis’ South African subsidiary, has been supporting photography as a means of emancipation through its Of Soul and Joy program, launched in 2012 in the heart of the township of Thokoza, southeast of Johannesburg.
Of Soul and Joy is a long-term social and artistic initiative that aims to provide underprivileged youth in and around the township with professional photography skills. It aims to teach young adults about photography as a means of expression, personal vocation and professional perspective. A visual platform, Of Soul and Joy offers workshops led by well-known photographers, meetings with participants in the art market, collaborations with cultural institutions and the organization of art events in South Africa and abroad. Each year, the project awards study grants to the most promising students to enable them to access a higher education photography course at a university of their choice.
Today, the program attracts budding photographers from different backgrounds, thereby extending its reach. The program supports its young artists to bring out a new generation of photographers in South Africa and guide them in their professional careers.
“The project is making a difference and positively impacting the lives of our students and the community. This support also helps foster the South African arts industry.”
