Maun will soon become a hub of creativity as the Visual Epiphany Residency, a grassroots initiative by the Mural Supply Company, launches from August 18th to the 30th. The program, spearheaded by lead artist Rati Laone Motseta, aims to empower up to 100 artists aged 18 to 40, nurturing both technical skills and entrepreneurial thinking.
“This is about more than just painting,” Motseta, “We are hoping to shift the paradigm in how people approach art. It is not only about talent, it is also about learning the fundamentals, embracing the creative process, and finding your own voice.”
The two-week program will be split into a training-focused first week and a practical application second week. Workshops will cover penciling, fine art, illustration, crafts, graffiti, light and color theory, composition, and entrepreneurship. Participants will also be introduced to digital tools such as Procreate, Adobe Creative Suite, and modern design techniques.
Motseta explained that the approach blends traditional and contemporary methods. “We want to mix the old and the new to show artists tools that can make the process easier while still grounding them in the basics,” she said.
Week two will see participants tested on their skills, engaging in competitive “art battles” for prizes, and creating large-scale community murals. A final exhibition will showcase the works, with pieces displayed at the Nhabe Museum for up to two weeks. “All the artwork from the residency will be on display. It’s a way to celebrate the talent and give it a platform,” Motseta noted.
The project’s backers include the National Arts Council, Montana Colors, and Life center amongst a few mentions.
“They believed in the dream and made this happen,” Motseta said, emphasising the tangible community support behind the residency.
Beyond art creation, the residency also focuses on economic empowerment. An Entrepreneurship Day will bring together artists to discuss market access locally, regionally, and internationally, with stalls giving priority to women and differently abled vendors. Revenue-generating activities during the residency will include face painting, caricatures, custom apparel, and souvenir sales.
For Motseta, the vision extends far beyond this year’s program.
“We’ve had great support in Maun, and while we’re starting the movement here, we want it to grow beyond. This is about giving back to the community and growing it at the same time.”
With safety measures in place, including the use of non-toxic materials and open-air aerosol sessions, the Visual Epiphany Residency is positioning itself as both a creative and socially conscious project.
“Ultimately, we want to inspire a love for creation from concept to execution and to show that art can be a tool for cultural preservation, collaboration, and economic opportunity,” he said.
