Bavulele opens doors to Art and Empowerment

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Blending creativity with community upliftment, the Bavulele Ntsikhwe Mbokazi Art Center is opening doors, literally and symbolically -through its first-ever “Bavulele Art in Residency” program.

Founded by renowned photographer and storyteller Charmain Carrol, the initiative aims to nurture local artists, preserve cultural heritage, and ignite entrepreneurship in the arts.

The first of its kind in a rural village of Ngqwara at Mount Frere, Eastern Cape, this collaborative project was through Nomonde Mafunda Foundation, Bavulele, and the Muholi Art Institute (MAI).

It is set is revitalize rural villages by honouring women artisans, fostering skills in crochet and beadwork, and building unbreakable community bonds, all from the historic family home that once belonged to Carrol’s late mother.

Bavulele rose from street vending

Inspired by her great-grandparents and entrepreneurial mother, Bavulele, who rose from street vending second-hand clothes to owning a bustling supermarket and food stall, Carrol has converted her childhood home into a vibrant hub for creativity.

“I draw my inspiration from my grandmother, MaMbokazi, a skilled potter who crafted clay pots, grass mats, and traditional items to support her family,” said Carrol.

“And from my mother, who taught me that nothing is impossible, she turned her dreams into reality, banking daily and expanding her business against all odds. This art center is my way of carrying that legacy forward, proving that rural women can thrive through art and innovation.”

As a lifelong advocate for women and children, Carrol designed the residency to spotlight unrecognized women artisans in her hometown.

Operating on the land her mother purchased, the same ground where her family raised her and now rests, the program has already drawn several dedicated participants, overcoming initial skepticism about fleeting opportunities in remote areas with challenging roads.

She highlighted by saying ‘this community is in her heart.’

Carrol added, “The residency is at my house, on land steeped in family history. These women are enjoying every moment, bonding deeply, and producing high-quality pieces that could change their lives.”

The program kicked off with beadwork workshops and has progressed to crochet using wool, led by collaborator Nomonde Mafunda, who brings her expertise to teach and assist villagers in mastering this skill.

Mafunda’s guidance has been instrumental in empowering participants, helping them create intricate pieces while fostering a supportive learning environment.

With plans to invite more artisans for new skills, the residency continues to expand its impact.

“There’s been a profound shift. They come even in the rain, without facilitators, and support each other through hardships, like when two women’s homes were broken into, the group rallied with indescribable solidarity. This is true community building, where wool brings us together and elevates us all,” she reckons.

Despite challenges, including navigating cultural norms as an unmarried woman, prompting Carrol to adapt her appearance for acceptance, and facing male gatekeepers in projects, the residency’s impact is undeniable.

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As a professional photographer, Carrol sees this as an extension of her storytelling work.

She said: “I’m now approached by other women and local chiefs to expand this to their villages. It’s equipping me to handle any situation, and I’m learning skills alongside everyone else.”

Looking ahead, these women plan to continue producing work, host more residencies to showcase and sell their creations, and use proceeds to buy more materials.

Speaking about her vision for legacy, she said: “Nothing is impossible, even with recycled items, create something extraordinary. Art can put food on the table, so parents, let your children pursue it. Teachers, take art education seriously; not all kids excel in academics, but many shine in artistic paths.”