One of the paintings by local artists proudly displayed on the walls of HB Botswana offices
Thelma Obakeng
Diamond company, HB Botswana, is more than just committed to elevating the mining industry in Botswana, but also to elevating Batswana by committing to other aspects of the economy beyond mining.
In an event held on the 9th April 2024 at the HB Botswana premises to appreciate the collaboration between themselves and Thapong Visual Arts Centre, the company proved that it is more than just committed to elevating the mining industry in Botswana, but also to Batswana through their commitment to other aspects of the economy beyond mining.
HB Botswana has collaborated with Thapong Visual Arts Centre to support fine artists. The country’s artists registered with Thapong Visual Art Centre are now able to showcase or rent out their artwork to HB Botswana thanks to a deal signed last year when HB Botswana launched.
The director of Thapong Visual Arts Centre, Mr. Reginald Bakwena said that upon realising that they didn’t have enough space to accommodate artworks, they approached the corporate sector with a proposal to rent out the artworks and help market, as well as sell them.
HB Botswana responded positively and has so far helped sell about three artworks to some executives in Belgium. The deal is to have artworks for artists who are members of the Thapong Visual Arts Centre displayed at HB Botswana offices, at a monthly fee, for three years.
The artworks will be changed or rotated every three months to give all artists a chance to display. Bakwena urged female artists to come forward with their works as they seem to be lagging behind.
He also encouraged artists who are not members of Thapong Visual Arts Centre to sign up for membership so that they too can benefit from this initiative.
The Director of Communications at HB Botswana, Mr. Bonjo Mathumo, said that they wanted to be an active player not only in the mining industry, but to make a great impact in various industries and that by this collaboration, past ones and more to come – will create a ripple effect in other areas of the economy resulting in growth.
Some of the artists that are currently displaying their works at HB Botswana facilities are Thatayaone Ramolapong, Chris Mokgeledi, Mmoloki Matlale and others.
(C) TPA2024
