Of Soul and Joy to host the 4th edition of its photography festival – Along with showcasing a variety of talented photographers, #OSJPHOTOFEST2022 will also be celebrating the initiatives 10th anniversary

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 4th 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 4th 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 tea

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