In a transformative initiative blending heritage, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment, the Bavulele Ntsikhwe Mbokazi Art Center, founded by visionary photographer and storyteller Charmain Carrol, announced its inaugural artist residency program Bavulele Art in Residency (simple means Open). The project and first of its kind is situated in a rural village of Ngqwara at KwaBhaca (Mount Frere), Eastern Cape South Africa.
This collaborative project with Nomonde Mafunda Foundation, Bavulele, and the Muholi Art Institute (MAI) is revitalizing rural villages by honoring 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.
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,” says 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.”
Operating on the land Carrol 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. “This community is my heart. “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,” said Carrol.
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.
