SANPUD CDC MAKE ART NOT WAR - Empowering Communities through Creativity

In a recent initiative led by SANPUD (South African Network of People Who Use Drugs), a series of art workshops and site visits were conducted to engage with marginalised communities, specifically people who use drugs. These activities aimed to empower individuals by harnessing their creative skills and addressing critical needs within their communities.
They form part of a visionary CDC project that aims to assist people who use drugs who are part of the TBHIV Care CDC-funded HarmLess Project. The project is situated in Ehlangzeni and Tshwane at the HarmLess drop-in centres.

In this first visit, SANPUD leadership did site visits with the Make Art Not War consultant, Andrea Schneider. The team identified the very real challenges these communities face in surviving every day, and economic opportunity is lacking, but the talent is not. Here is what happened during the visit.

Day 1: Laying the Groundwork in Pretoria
The first day started with a site visit to the TBHIV Care Drop-In Centre in Pretoria. SANPUD members and consultants assessed the center's needs while also preparing for the art workshop. In this preparation, they identified several supplies that needed replenishment, including wire, canvas, easels, and various art materials. 

Following this, the team visited the Siyasonke Youth Forum in Soshanguve. They met with community members recruited for the “Make Art Not War” initiative. The day concluded with a presentation by participants who showcased their artistic skills and discussed their expectations for the workshop.

Day 2: Creativity Unleashed
The second day kicked off with an art workshop that brought together 11 participants from various networks, including Siyasonke and TBHIV Care. The session began with a creative exercise, using clay to express emotions, followed by an hour-long art creation session. Participants engaged in various forms of art, from sketches and paintings to beadwork and wire creations. The workshop also delved into topics like self-belief, budgeting, and future steps for the art initiative.

While the workshop was a success, some challenges emerged. Several participants were more experienced in carpentry and wire work, skills not fully catered to in the workshop. There were also logistical issues with travel reimbursements and the distribution of art supplies. However, SANPUD addressed these issues by planning for future improvements, such as ensuring better supply management.

Day 3: Mbombela and Unity through Art
The third day was dedicated to traveling to Mpumalanga for another workshop in Mbombela, which echoed the Pretoria session but with a smoother flow. This time, participants were all service beneficiaries at the TBHIV Care Drop-In Centre, creating a stronger sense of unity. The presence of female participants also helped balance the dynamic. The workshop led to some participants making sales from their artwork, further contributing to the project's goal of fostering income generation.

Day 4: From Art to Agriculture
On the fourth day, SANPUD visited the HarmLess Inc. farm in Schoemansdal, where they met with members of the local community who will assist in cultivating the land. The team discussed challenges like transportation for farmhands and trash dumping on the farm, proposing solutions like sourcing a taxi service and exploring recycling options. The farm visit concluded with plans to launch a community market where local produce and artwork will be sold.

Lessons Learned and Next Steps
The week’s activities underscored the importance of being well-prepared, particularly regarding the skills audits and supply management for artisans. Moving forward, SANPUD will continue to support the communities, and provide opportunities for income generation through market sales.

These workshops and site visits are part of a broader effort by SANPUD to build capacity within communities of people who use drugs, empowering them through creative expression and practical support. By addressing both personal and systemic challenges, SANPUD is fostering resilience and self-sufficiency in these often-overlooked populations.

SANPUD thanks TBHIV Care and their staff for continued work providing services to people who use drugs, and for collaborating with and including SANPUD in the process. The funding for the project comes from CDC PEPFAR, and special thanks must go the Helen Savva who heads up the key populations program in South Africa.