Art with Purpose: ISITHEBE Residency Exhibition Empowers Soweto’s Emerging Talents
Thabo Motlhabi
Mzimkulu “Mzie” Gojo, an Artist and Funda Community College Campus Manager, recently hosted the Isithebe Residency Exhibition aimed at empowering emerging and established creatives by providing a platform to showcase their artistic talents, share their stories, and connect with the public and potential supporters.
The Isithebe Exhibition took place on Saturday, 17th October 2026, held at Funda Community College, 8642 Immink Drive, Diepkloof Zone 6, Soweto. The event brought together professionals, business representatives, activists, community members, Funda stuff, and local artists to celebrate the artists’ work and recognize the importance of supporting the creative industry.
Creating Opportunities for Emerging Artists
The Isithebe Residency Exhibition sought to empower more than 40 emerging local artists and established creatives by providing a public platform to display their artwork and promote greater recognition and support from the public, private sector, local government, and other stakeholders.
The initiative also encouraged artists to explore new opportunities, develop their creativity, and express their identity through storytelling and paintings by showcasing their work. Artists were given an opportunity to share their experiences, communicate their perspectives, and share their place in the creative space.
Rector and Executive Director, Dr. Tshepo Mvulane Moloi, highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces where young and emerging artists can develop their talents and gain public exposure:
“The idea is to give an opportunity to the emerging artists, who are under 35 years old and today are getting exposure, and Funda is giving them that safe space to be exposed to grow their artworks and profiles. Art is a very intriguing domain industry. Today some of their artworks are on the display to be seen so people can buy them and see how these young creatives are so creative.”
Built on the Three (3) Powerful Pillars
The Isithebe Residency Exhibition is based on three fundamental pillars that set its commitment to supporting artists and strengthening the creatives’ communities.
* Discovery
* Empowerment
* Community
Many emerging artists enter the creative industry without access to mentorship, professional guidance, or the knowledge needed to navigate the sector. Challenges such as limited networking opportunities, financial mismanagement, and difficulties marketing their artworks can make it challenging for artists to establish a sustainable career.
The Isithebe sought to address those challenges by creating opportunities for engagement and laying the groundwork for future mentorship programs. Such initiatives could equip artists with practical knowledge about managing their finances, marketing their work, building professional relationships, and identity opportunities within the industry.
Encouraging and Supporting Local Talent,
Mzimkulu shared words of encouragement with the artists, reminding them of their value, creativity, and individuals.
“I always say to them, ‘They’re very special people on earth because they chose to be creative, and by doing so, they will preserve history for the coming generations.’ “Their skill needs discipline all the time, and we mentors are there to give guidance and nurture their talents.”
The exhibition demonstrated the importance of providing creatives with spaces where their work can be appreciated, their voices can be heard, and their talents can reach wider audiences.
Artist Belinda Tlhaka also highlighted the importance of hosting exhibitions by giving emerging artists an opportunity to showcase their skills and artworks’ potential.
“Today, I’m invited to Funda Community College for this Isithebe Residency Exhibition, and I see something that’s growing, and I would like to encourage every emerging artist to keep it up. They also need to be supported by our communities. I hope people who came in here can spread the word of mouth about the revived Funda Community College rise, and they should come and support their programs.”
Connecting Art, Artists, and the Community
At the conclusion of the Isithebe Residency Exhibition, participants, business representatives, stakeholders, and other guests had an opportunity to witness the display of the artworks of local artists, their paintings, and prices and also engage directly with the artists themselves.