Help Gift get to California Institute of the Arts
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Gift Kgosierileng,
“One day I would love to inspire kids from the village and tell them that it's
possible, they just need to continue dreaming and work extra hard “ .. (a note from
my jornal.2004)
I can sit down for hours trying to tell my story but I am hoping to make this short
and really straight to the point. I started learning my capabilities from a very young
age because challenge and adversity was never a stranger. Against all odds I always
seemed to just make it. Seldom hit by the reality that I will have to wash my own
school socks for the next school day ,sometimes getting used to the pain that
follows after an accolade or award at school knowing your mom isn't somewhere in
the audience. Growing up alone has made me oblivious about the adversity I was
always confronted with , it built my resilient character. In the pursuit of happiness
and joy, an aspirated reality for many . I found solace in my gift, the gift of art and
design. This became my only voice. I had never failed to at the very least always
dance in creating. As a young man I moved to Johannesburg in pursuit of my
dreams, with a good minute of TV features comes cheap popularity. This put a
lense onto me, particularly on my work. Heritage and culture, a descendant from
the Baswara and Kho San tribe. Preserving my culture has been a priority. The
conflict of ensuring that your passion translates into financial dividends but i
always somewhat managed to sleep peacefully with the idea that i am somewhat
contributing to a lot of young ones confidence to celebrate and embrace their
culture. With such intention , one is inevitably required to become slightly
stubborn and also allow yourself to grow and learn as much as you can. The dream
has always been to get access to a market and network that can enhance projects I
wish to have in South Africa. I later got awarded Cultural and Heritage Designer of
the year 2022. I further hosted The Village Art Expo, an exhibition that grants artists
from small towns a platform to showcase their work. I further explored my love to
share knowledge and that gave birth to my Sustainable Fashion business workshop:
A program that focuses on the philosophy of sustainable fashion and employees
business principles that are practical and could enhance SMME .
I later applied to a prestigious Film/ Theatre School , California Institutes for the
Arts. After submitting my portfolio I also learnt that I received a merit scholarship
and that my program is then curated to fit my needs. With the aim to preserve
indigenous culture through visuals and motion pictures. I gladly accepted the offer.
Understanding that this opportunity with not just elevate me but also grant me
access to industry thought leaders that could also aid in funding future african
projects. My dream is not only for myself but that of the whole village.
I am currently raising R500 000 to start a report in school by the 8th of January.
Organizer
Gift Kgosierileng
Organizer
Santa Clarita, CA