Ukukhanya Arts Project presents "Illuminating Immunology through The Power of Art," a dynamic event blending poetry, photography, music, and theatre to celebrate the launch of Ukukhanya Arts Project. Founded 20 years ago, Ukukhanya is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to integrating immunology education into its programs, using art as a powerful medium to convey vital health messages. The event will also mark the beginning of an exciting collaboration with the Amathunzi Art Development Centre, further expanding Ukukhanya's reach and impact. Through the arts, Ukukhanya aims to educate, inspire, and empower communities, turning complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives. Join us as we celebrate two decades of transformative work and look ahead to a future where art and science unite to create healthier, more informed communities.
Ticket price is R50, however, further donations at the door are most welcome.
The Ukukhanya Arts Project, a unique fusion of art and immunology, is set to relaunch at Theatre Arts on Heritage Day, September 24, 2024. This event will celebrate the transformative power of creative expression in illuminating the complex science of our immune system through performances and photography.
Twenty years ago, Professor Clive Gray, an award-winning immunologist and renowned photographer, and Abueng Junior, a celebrated poet, founded the Ukukhanya Arts Project. Their vision was to translate the intricate language of immunology into something that touches both the mind and the heart. What began as a small arts initiative has grown into a beacon of hope for countless young adults and children across Johannesburg and Cape Town.
In 2006, the project took a group of young performers from Alexandra township in Johannesburg to North Carolina, USA, where they performed to sold-out audiences. For these young artists, the trip was more than just a performance opportunity; it was a revelation. They discovered a world beyond their township, full of possibilities. Many of these performers have since built successful careers in dance, theatre, and television, turning dreams into reality, and proving that art can indeed be a powerful force for change.
Twenty years later, the Ukukhanya Arts Project has been revitalised through a partnership with the Amathunzi Arts and Development Centre in Khayelitsha. This collaboration is led by the award-winning community leader and renowned jazz diva, Babalwa Mentjies. The Amathunzi Arts youth group delivered a powerful theatre production at the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) 2023 conference at the CTICC, earning a standing ovation. Inspired by this success, the Ukukhanya Arts Project will begin a new chapter.
At Ukukhanya, we blend immunology with the arts to educate children and communities about immunity, resilience, and health. Just as the immune system protects the body, we aim to promote a societal defence against social ills like poverty, crime, and unemployment. Our vision is clear: to drive change by using the arts as a powerful tool for transformation. We are committed to equipping every child with the knowledge to protect themselves and their communities and to raising the funds necessary to give more children the chance to dream, create, and thrive.
Through our workshops, performances, and community engagement, we are not just teaching children to create; we are teaching them to understand, question, and inspire. We show them that art and science are not separate but intertwined, and that both are essential to understanding the world and our place in it.
We invite you to join us on Heritage Day, September 24, 2024, to celebrate South African art and science. Find us at the Theatre Arts, Methodist Church Hall, Corner Milton Road and Wesley Street, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, from 14:30 to 17:00. The celebration will feature performances by the Amathunzi Group, Babalwa Mentjies and the Little Giants Jazz Band, Abueng Junior, and photography by Clive Gray, along with other guests. Donations will be welcomed at the door. Immunopaedia Foundation NPC will manage funds for the project.