Our friend Fée Halsted, founder of Caversham-based Ardmore Ceramic Art, has been
honoured for her contribution to the arts in South Africa at the glitzy Mbokodo Awards, held at the Inanda Polo Club in Johannesburg, on Thursday, December 8.
Halsted was nominated in the category of traditional and indigenous art, which celebrates women whose work, be it music, painting, handicraft or other form, is created using indigenous materials, based on traditional methods and meanings within the context of a given culture.
“It was a very special occasion and an honour to be nominated alongside all these dynamic women,” said Halsted.
Other categories include: women in media, literature, jazz, visual arts, poetry, fashion and design, shining light, music, dance, theatre, opera, girl child of promise, lifetime achievement and film. Previous winners include Nadine Gordimer, Sibongile Khumalo, Mary Sibande, Gcina Mhlophe and Antjie Krog.
Carol Bouwer, of Carol Bouwer Productions, which hosts the awards, said: “The arts are an essential part of our ever evolving nation. While the collective achievements of this year’s award recipients are impressive, what’s truly inspiring is their commitment to making a difference in communities through the arts.
“The awards are indeed a unique platform that consolidates the incredible work done by South African women through honouring their immense contribution in the fields of arts and culture.”
The theme of the 2016 awards was ’60 Years On…’ and during the course of the evening guests were taken on a journey that marked significant South African milestones and events from the Women’s March of 1956. The Mbokodo Awards are supported by the Department of Arts and Culture, Siyabonga Ceramics and the Ministry of Women.
