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Ad Talent // Newsletter September/October 2009 |
| R40 000 For Disadvantaged Schools Raised By TBWA\Group\Durban |
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Thanks to "Heart to Art", an art exhibition hosted by TBWA\Group\Durban this month to raise funds for Room 13 art studios, R40 000 will be handed over to four KwaZulu-Natal schools in underprivileged communities. All proceeds from the art sales go to the Room 13 studios, to assist them with their ongoing operation. The "Heart to Art" art exhibition featured art and crafts from Room 13 learners, as well as artworks created and donated by the many talented staff at TBWA\Group\Durban, ranging from paintings and graphic design, to jewellery. The exhibition was attended by clients, suppliers and agency staff and their partners, who were also entertained with singing and dancing by the Room 13 learners. Eira Sands, TBWA\Group\Durban Company Training & New Business Director, spearheads the Room 13 initiative in KwaZulu-Natal. She says, "This is an important project for the company, a way in which we can give back to the community and uplift children from underprivileged areas. The commitment of our team is so rewarding - the TBWA\Group\Durban staff have been very enthusiastic and excited about "Heart to Art" and came forward, in one of our busiest times of the year, to create wonderful art in their private time." She adds, "Each Room 13 is required to ultimately be self-sustaining, so the children have to learn how to run their Room 13 like a business. Because it is our goal to help them to succeed, it's important for TBWA\Group\Durban to give them a boost in funding from time to time, but at the same time, to help them to understand what it takes to make money. It also gives them confidence when they see their art works selling!" Room 13 is a TBWA\Group\Worldwide initiative, started in a primary school in Scotland approximately 12 years ago, in which specially selected schools have a Room 13 art studio installed. Assisted by TBWA\Group\ and sponsored by corporates, the Room 13 studio is operated by a management team of learners, who are supported and mentored by an artist-in-residence. Room 13 has proven to be an extremely effective way in which to keep children off the streets - they are encouraged to express their creativity, but at the same time are equipped with knowledge and skills which will serve them in years to come. Today, there are 30 Room 13 studios - in England, Scotland, Nepal, India, USA, Mexico, China, Turkey and South Africa. Of the 13 in South Africa, TBWA\Group\Durban has helped to set up four: Kwa Cutshwayo Primary School in Ntshilinyama, Silwane Primary School in Inanda District, Kwa Maquza Primary School in Ugu District and Dargle Primary School in Dargle. A fifth school, Addington Primary, is now set to join the Room 13 programme. TBWA\Group\South Africa was awarded the Business Day/BASA Award for "Best Youth Sponsorship", ahead of entries by some of the country's biggest corporate sponsors. |
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