Imbali craft products

I congratulate Imbali on the work you do. The whirlwind of positive energy around your students, speaks for the impact Imbali has in the art space. The vibrancy of your students is incredible.

ART AID has thoroughly enjoyed working with Imbali and their enthusiastic, creative, and inspiring team. Their authenticity, innovative approach, and strong sense of purpose in education support learners to achieve their creative goals and equip them to enter the global creative economy. Their collaborative spirit makes them a valued partner.

In an increasingly anonymous and commercialised world, individually hand-crafted art objects resonate with the human need to connect; perhaps never so much as now in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. There are so few objects in the world that can be traced to a specific individual maker. Unique and invested objects are valued for the ways in which they embed individual presence and artistry. Handcrafted objects are embodiments of individual voices and visions, and as such they provide opportunities for artistic expression, self-worth and pride — the importance of which is well known to art-world and health communities.

Imbali’s work is thoughtful, responsive, grounded and impactful. Imbali is a rare and valuable cultural, craft and skills development resource to Johannesburg and the country.

When I walked into the Imbali space for the first time I encountered an energy that was charged; the students were innovating and connecting. It felt as though they were truly living in their power and being present. I felt a deep sense of community, one rooted in empathy, mutual respect and dedication. I looked at that space, bright with artwork and light in spirit, and thought about the potential this knowledge house possesses and the immense change it could ignite if it were available to youths across the country.

I wanted to extend a personal thank you for the incredible contribution you made to the Making It convening. The participants had a truly enriching experience, and it was a pleasure to work with your wonderful, warm and highly professional team. The work that Imbali is doing is so important, and I hope you continue to be blessed with the work blossoming for many years to come.

I highly value the Imbali Artbooks for their rich visual material and their strong commitment to representing diverse artistic perspectives. They offer inspiring starting points for critical engagement in the classroom while allowing space for context-sensitive and flexible approaches to art education.