PURPOSE: To create an artistic setting and space for visual and performance artists. Providing them with an audience for the purpose of selling, networking, socializing and the marketing and showcasing of their craft.

MISSION: My name is Marc Kwabema Boone, artist, writer and one of the three creators of AFROdisiac, along with Dumi Gumbi, producer for Line Producers, and Isabelle Rorke, producer for The Morning Live Show on SABC 2. As a fellow artist and Jo'burger, I can honestly say the art scene sucks! The talent is there, but lack of support makes it difficult to get the talent noticed. The structures of support need to be created in order to cultivate a culture of fine art appreciation specifically among young, black South Africans. If we do not provide a sustainable market in the arts our specific interests and images will get sacrificed for other more profitabe markets, which we may not identify with, making art even more overlooked by the 'common majority.' MONEY, SUPPORT AND INTEREST IS WHAT KEEPS ANY PROJECT GOING. The average South African has a low standard of living. Necessities such as food, water, shelter and clothing are priorities. The luxury of original artwork is most often one that cannot be afforded. Many middle to upper income earners do not have this mythical 'disposable income.' Their money is probably tied up in debts caused by expensive tastes for luxury status symbols such as their living space, cars, cell phones, stereo systems, clothes, etc., whatever. Having original artwork on one's wall is usually not a goal. These other more sought after luxury items create less of an income to spend on art. And because the art culture is not there, the idea to spend on fine art is not one that comes to mind.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE? No mission is impossible when there is a clear goal and dedication. The challenge is to pull in a significant number of youths with some buying power into a gallery space when we are competing with bars, restaurants, movies, etc. for their money, support and interest.

THE SOLUTION? AFROdisiac! An alternative, underground, multimedia experience.

WHAT IS AFROdisiac? AFROdisiac is an underground cultural event Its aim is simple: To expose talent in the visual arts and performance fields and provide them with a platform, an audience, media attention and sales. AFROdisiac has three main ingredients: IMAGES, PERFORMANCE and TEXT. This fusion comes together providing a social outlet that is truly fun, vibey, entertaining and culturally driven all in an effort to cultivate a youthful, money spending art scene.

CAN I CONTINUE? Because fine art is in the developmental stages, the intended market is not stable and hard to attract. AFROdisiac has several strategies in response to this. FIRST: Most of the featured artwork is accessible, meaning that the selected artwork will have a widespread appeal. Many of the art pieces walk the fine line between commercial and fine art. This is so our intended audience does not feel alienated or that the artwork goes over their heads. Accessible artwork also refers to pricing. We encourage all participating artist to keep their prices at a reasonable rate in order to perpetuate sales. There will also be greeting cards, postcards, and/or T-shirts for sale. These are more affordable and functional art forms for the common majority. SECOND: AFROdisiac uses performance art to create a broader appeal. While combining the visual arts element with performances of song, dance, poetry, rap, drumming, etc, we give the audience a fuller experience.....'the AFROdisiac experience!" THIRD: The AFROdisiac experience is interactive. Many of the performances and art works call for audience participation. AFROdisiac also opens the mic to the guests. FOURTH: The AFROdisiac experience is very social and laid back, contrasting with the usual formal enviroment that exists in many traditional gallery openings.

FINAL NOTE: The combined multimedia experience creates the cultural underground energy and pulls in a substantial crowd. To date there have been three AFROdisiac events, which have pulled in over 700 guests.

ENOUGH HYPE .........EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF!