Creativity: The Ukukhanya Arts Project, illuminating immunology through the power of art

Exciting news is the relaunch on Heritage Day (September 24, 2024) of the Ukukhanya Arts Project. The event is happening at Theatre Arts in Cape Town, from 2.30pm to 6pm and features theatre, dance, poetry, photography and music. The innovative Ukukhanya Arts Project is a non-profit organisation “dedicated to using the arts to educate and inspire communities about immunology and health”. The aim of the project is “to bridge the gap between science and society through creative expression” and the launch event on September 24 is pivoting around “illuminating immunology through the power of art”. Read on for more. Info as supplied.

The Ukukhanya Arts Project, illuminating immunology through the power of art

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.

Join us on Heritage Day

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.

For booking information, please visit Theatre Arts

More information about the Ukukhanya Arts Project

Media Contact:

Bonamy (Bon) Holtak

Communications Officer, Immunopaedia Foundation NPC

Bon.Holtak@immunopaedia.org.za

Join us in celebrating the power of art and science to transform lives and communities.

About the Ukukhanya Arts Project:

A non-profit organisation dedicated to using the arts to educate and inspire communities about immunology and health. Founded by Professor Clive Gray and Abueng Junior, the project aims to bridge the gap between science and society through creative expression.

Professor Clive Gray:

Clive Gray is Professor of Immunology at Stellenbosch University and Emeritus Professor at University of Cape Town. His research focuses on HIV in pregnancy and the impact this has on children born who have been exposed to HIV in the womb, but are not infected. These children have a poor start in life health-wise and his research is trying to find out why. He was recently the recipient of the Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship award for 2023 for his research. He is also an accomplished photographer, with over 40 years of capturing life around the globe and using the power of the visual image to elicit new knowledge around community-based health – such as TB and HIV.

Abueng Junior:

Abueng Junior is a dynamic creative professional whose journey spans poetry, stage performance, video editing, and creative direction. In 2012, he published “In The Scheme Of Things”, a collection of poems and a lyrical CD. His career evolved at Andre Schwartz Marketing, where he contributed to campaigns for major brands like Reckitt Benckiser and Simba. As a Creative Producer/Director at Creative Directions, Abueng led impactful projects for EOH, Hollard, and Liberty. Also a radio host for “Retrograde” on 1485 Radio Today, he’s known for his innovative storytelling and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Babalwa Mentjies:

Babalwa Mentjies is a talented jazz vocalist and songwriter based in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. A graduate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a major in Jazz Performance and a postgraduate qualification in Marketing Management, she is also a dedicated music educator and project manager at IMAD (Khayelitsha Institute for Music and Indigenous Arts Development). Passionate about community development, Babalwa mentors youth in music theory, instrumentals, and vocal performance. She is a founding member of Amathunzi Arts & Development Centre, using the arts to address social issues. Babalwa has performed with South Africa’s top jazz musicians and continues to captivate audiences with her powerful voice and stage presence.

Amathunzi Group:

Amathunzi Arts & Development Centre, co-founded by Babalwa Mentjies in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, is a registered non-profit organisation focused on empowering marginalised youth. Serving ages 14-36, many of whom are not in employment or education, Amathunzi uses the arts to address social issues and create sustainable opportunities. The organisation’s programs enhance skills across various art forms, aiming to uplift and inspire young people in the community. A key highlight is their collaboration with the IUIS 2023 Immunology Conference, where youth learned about the immune system, TB, and HIV, furthering their mission to build a healthier, empowered community.

Immunopaedia Foundation NPC:

A non-profit company and public benefit organisation based in South Africa. It is dedicated to providing free, accessible immunology education worldwide. Founded by Professor Clive Gray, the foundation initially focused on the immunology of HIV infection in children. Over the years, it has expanded to cover a broad range of immunological topics. Immunopaedia offers online courses, clinical case studies, and resources aimed at students and health professionals, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The foundation collaborates with the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) to support global immunology education.

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