One of many iconic works by Keiskamma Art Project, the Keiskamma Guernica references Picasso’s monumental Guernica (1937), and was made in the same spirit of protest. The Keiskamma Guernica reflects the anger of the Hamburg community at the mismanagement of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa resulting in unnecessary and unjust loss of life. The four programmes of Keiskamma Trust; Art, Health, Music and Education work together to bring awareness and change to the lives of people living in rural Hamburg.

Keiskamma Art Project is the flagship programme of the Keiskamma Trust. For over twenty years it has been the mouthpiece of the communities living alongside the Keiskamma River. Monumental embroidered artworks, from the Keiskamma Tapestry and Keiskamma Altarpiece to the Keiskamma Guernica, have toured both nationally and internationally to global acclaim, and won prestigious awards. The work of the project holds a significant place in the national and international canons of art. On the ground, it generates vital livelihoods in an otherwise impoverished region of South Africa. The art project meets the need in rural communities for dignified work, and income. This is achieved through a transparent and communal process of making meaningful artwork, sensitive to the collective memories and culture of Hamburg and its surrounds. Memories and voices are archived through stitch. Sincere engagement with the world as it has been, is, and can be, drives a process of artmaking forward that serves both artists and community in inestimable ways.

The health programme began as the result of a dire need to provide care for a community heavily affected by HIV/AIDS. At the time there was no means of gaining treatment or education about the disease. In the early 2000s the health programme was at the forefront of distributing anti-retrovirals (ARVs). People came from all over the country to Hamburg, to a centre begun by Dr Carol Hofmeyr who was known to all as ‘the doctor who cared’. Dedicated, pioneering teams in health have remained throughout the years with a consistent focus on holistic and excellent treatment of individuals. In 2010 the Trust’s health work shifted from hospice work and treatment programmes into comprehensive community health programmes that are active in over 12 villages. The health programme today offers patient transportation with the addition of the Wellness Wagon (a mobile clinic), the Community Health Care Workers’ Programme and the Sex Workers’ Programme. Together these enable communities to access timeous health care, specialised management for their illnesses at hospitals and early detection of disease.

CONTACT: Nokhanyo Nkani (Project Manager) [email protected]

Helen Vosloo, internationally acclaimed flautist, began the Keiskamma Music Academy in 2006 with a passionate belief in the value of children learning music, especially in rural areas where such opportunities are scarce. The Academy has grown from strength to strength, currently training over 160 children and servicing 8 rural schools. Children learn solo instruments, including the piano, classical guitar and voice with the opportunity of playing together in the string orchestra, recorder ensemble, orchestra, choir and marimba band. Various musical styles, ranging from traditional and classical to contemporary and jazz are taught. A standard of excellence is maintained with students enrolled yearly for their examinations through the Royal Schools of Music and Trinity College. The Academy is focused on creating opportunities for youth with many alumni proceeding to study music at a tertiary level. Many return to plough their knowledge and skills back into the Academy where 95% of staff comprise alumni. Learning music at Keiskamma Music Academy goes further than learning an instrument. It instils discipline, demands focus and creates a sense of belonging that encourages academic success while positively affecting the quality of life of students.

The Education Programme was established in 2011 and has always played a vital support role for all programmes. The Vulindlela ICT and Youth Resource Centre became a hub for accessing educational resources and support while also providing the essential service of an internet café to the community. Education provides support for activities from CV writing to tertiary study applications. It provide learners with afterschool support as well as social team activities like capoeira. Today Education is in a transitionary position, open to new direction and to forging new partnerships to deliver support in this key sector.

CONTACT: Qhama Nongce (Programme Manager) [email protected]