Of Soul and Joy to host the 4^th edition of its photography festival

Along with showcasing a variety of talented photographers, #OSJPHOTOFEST2022will also be celebrating the initiatives 10th anniversary

By CityLife Arts Writer

Of Soul and Joy, a lasting social art initiative teaching disadvantaged youth photography skills, will be celebrating the diversity and richness of its young photographers with its 4^th photography festival taking place on 26 November, 2022.

Skills development is an integral key to unleashing artistic potential and promoting economic freedom. But for many disadvantaged youth, access to the mentorship and tools required to successfully develop their artistic skills in the field of photography are out of reach.

This is where Of Soul and Joy, supported by Rubis Mécénat and Easigas (Rubis Group’s South African subsidiary), has stepped in to create a space in the southeast Johannesburg township of Thokoza, where vulnerable youth can confidently develop photography skills in order to open up new personal and professional horizons.

Photography as a learnt skill can pave the way for a successful career by offering youth – many of whom are facing an increasing unemployment crisis – an opportunity to shift their socioeconomic circumstances.

“Photography has the power to change perspectives, and drive economic transformation for an emerging generation looking to break the shackles of the past and change their circumstances”, says Jabulani Dhlamini, a renowned South-African photographer represented by the Goodman Gallery and Of Soul and Joy Project Manager since 2015.

“The challenge though is that many see access to photographic skills training and equipment as something beyond their reach, when in fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Of Soul and Joy offers a variety of workshops that teach photographic skills development to disadvantaged youth preparing them to follow a career in the field of photography. What would have traditionally been a career path reserved for those who could afford tertiary education is now so much for accessible through our range of programmes specifically created to invest in the next generation.”

A double celebration

For this festival edition the initiative will be presenting the recent works of the project photographers and visitors can expect a day packed with outdoor exhibitions, screenings, photo workshops, panel discussions with guests Jabulani Dhlamini, South African photographer represented by Goodman Gallery and Of Soul and Joy Project Manager, Tshepiso Mazibuko, South African photographer and Of Soul and Joy alumni, Jodi Bieber, South African Photographer and more, performances, and concerts. An exciting launch on the day will be the Of Soul and Joy book – a stunning showcase of photography from some of the initiative’s greatest success stories.

This 4th edition will also be the occasion to celebrate Of Soul and Joy’s 10th anniversary. Since its establishment is 2012, more than 50 scholarships have been awarded to young photographers allowing them to access higher education in photography at a university of their choice. Many alumni are also making a living from their work and building an international career, with work being exhibited in numerous festivals and fairs globally, with some represented by both local and international agencies and galleries.

“We are thrilled to be hosting our 4^th photography festival where our young artists can share the powerful images that help shape their thoughts and feelings about life, what motivates them and what inspires them. The talent in our country is monumental and this is their chance to tell their most powerful stories”, concludes Dhlamini.

For those interested in a career in photography, to community members, to art enthusiasts, and the general public, the day promises to be a colourful tribute that celebrates the artistic expression and lived experiences of talented photographers primed to reap the benefits of a growing creative economy.

For more information, visit Of Soul and Joy on their social channels or click here.

#OSJPHOTOFEST2022

Where and when?

OF SOUL AND JOY PHOTOFEST IN THOKOZA

4TH EDITION

26 November 2022

10762 Morubisi St, Thokoza, Johannesburg, 1426

What can be expected?

STAGE LINE UP

FROM NOON TO 6PM

Music and performances by

• Buhlebuzile Magnet School – Jazz and Pop
• P.T Xulu Magnet School – Jazz music
• Jika Mapantsula – Pantsula dancers
• Makhubu Foundation – Drama and stage play
• Haikuu and the 575s – Indie Rap Fusion
• Mjikane Maskandi Group – Maskandi traditional Music
• uBumbano Cultural Group – Traditional Dance
• DJ set by Mr Gee

TALKS

3PM – 4PM

PRESENTATION BY THE OF SOUL AND JOY PHOTO STUDENTS

• Vuyo Mabheka – Started at Of Soul and Joy in 2017. He is represented by Afronova Gallery.
• Lunathi Mngxuma – Started at Of Soul and Joy in 2016. He graduated from the Market Photo Workshop in 2020.
• Life Ngubeni – Started at Of Soul and Joy in 2022.

4PM – 5PM

DISCUSSION WITH OF SOUL AND JOY PHOTOGRAPHERS & GUESTS

Enabling spaces – The role of mentoring and art projects in our community

• Jabulani Dhlamini, South African photographer represented by Goodman Gallery and Of Soul and Joy Project Manager
• Tshepiso Mazibuko, South African photographer and Of Soul and Joy alumni
• Jodi Bieber, South African Photographer
• Discussion animated by Molemo Moiloa, Head of Research at Andani.Africa, she is one half of the artist collaborative MADEYOULOOK and Co-Lead of the Open Restitution Africa project.

ALL DAY

• Outdoor photo exhibition presenting the recent work by the Of Soul and Joy photographers
• Photo studio animated by the Of Soul and Joy photo students
• Wallpaper workshop with the Of Soul and Joy photo students

Kids area (creative workshops) animated by Thokozani Ndaba and team