The Cato Manor Development Association has generously offered studio space in Cato Manor to local fine artists, as part of its community development mission.

The proposed studio space consists of two or more classrooms on the first floor of a building in Bellair Road, adjacent to the Cato Crest informal settlement and close to the junction of Wiggins and Bellair Roads. The building was previously occupied by the Ahmedia School, which has since relocated to other premises. The rooms are spacious, secure and well-lit with huge windows overlooking the Cato Crest informal settlement. The building is owned by a charitable trust and the space will be made available to the artists rent free, although some service costs such as electricity and water will have to be paid.

The rest of the space on the first floor of the building will be taken by the Sizimisele Development Trust, a craft co-operative, which will be the official tenant of the space.

The CMDA is about to launch a community tourism initiative in Cato Manor which, from January 2002, will hopefully result in a regular flow of overseas tourists bussed into the area for history and culture tours. The tourists will visit the community arts studio as part of their tour and provide a regular market for the artists and crafters.

More details from Andy Mason or Nkosinathi Jali, IThunga Art Project c/o Artworks Publishing on 303-6466. E-mail: artworks@iafrica.com