BALAMBILE, conceived and curated by multi-award-winning creative Jade Bowers, is about COVID-19 medical materials, goods shortages, food parcels, artists’ relief grants and an irate middle class complaining on Facebook about the lack of designer masks readily available for purchase, for when they take their dogs and children on their Level-4 walks between 6am and 9am. “I didn’t really have to do anything. But that is what an UNFESTIVAL is about. The things that we can’t do; but more importantly, the things that we can,” says Bowers. “So how about we complain a little bit less? How about showing up even if you can’t, by maybe buying a ticket?” she asks.
UNFESTIVAL SA runs from 26 May to 6 June 2020, and is a symbolic concept in aid of the UJ FADA Dean’s Bursary Fund and Business and Arts South Africa’s artist relief efforts. Visit www.arts.uj.ac.za or www.basa.co.za for full programme details. Bookings open on Monday 11 May 2020. Show your support by buying a ticket – but please don’t come.