Of Soul and Joy
Photographic practice as a tool for emancipation
Thokoza, South Africa
Since 2012
Of Soul and Joy is a social and artistic mentoring programme created in 2012 by Rubis Mécénat to enable young people aged 13 to 30, from the township of Thokoza and surrounding areas of Johannesburg, to benefit from a framework and training in the field of photography. This tailor-made support system allows them to cultivate artistic expression and access new professional paths, so that they can in turn have a positive impact on their communities.
In addition to artistic training, the project offers its beneficiaries further training (professional practices, English, life skills, etc.) and access to a network of key players in the local and international cultural scene. Each year, the project awards academic scholarships to the most promising students for higher education programmes in photography at a university of their choice, including the Market Photo Workshop in Johannesburg.
The project also allows new talents and vocations to emerge: South African photographer Lindokhule Sobekwa, introduced to photography via the Of Soul and Joy project, is today a member of the Magnum Photos agency; South African photographer Tshepiso Mazibuko is a finalist for the 2024 Discovery Award Louis Roeder Foundation at the Rencontres d’Arles.
Within the project, numerous artists and professionals are invited to share their experiences, including Roger Ballen, Bieke Depoorter, John Fleetwood, David Goldblatt (in memoriam), Mikhael Subotsky, Sabelo Mlangeni and Andrew Tshabangu.
