For the past two weeks, artists have been illegally occupying Kimberley’s Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture.

On Thursday (9/5), employees entered the building and to their surprise found a closed casket with boards that read “For how long will artists die in poverty?” and “Stop raping the arts”.

The artists, who refuse to leave the premises until they receive their demands, have been occupying the department for the past two weeks, while making use of the buildings facilities such as sleeping on the couches, bathing in the HOD’s office as well as doing their laundry and hanging them outside.

Artists hanged their washing outside the department. Picture supplied

The artists have demanded permanent employment from the department and have made it clear that they refuse to leave the premises without it. “Nothing and no one will stop us,” one of the artists said. “They can do whatever they want, we are willing to die for our cause.

“If we get hurt by the police or if we are charged, we will get bail and come back to the department, no matter what. Our dignity has been degraded. Why did they have to call the police on us when we were peaceful?”

“They have been offered 12 months contracts and they refuse openly,” said Communications Head, Conrad Fortune, adding that the department is willing to speak and resolve any issues the artists may have.

A sign was found on the coffin. Picture supplied

Fortune said the department presented a plan, largely informed by the availability of resources, especially the budget which is a challenge since the programme “Operationalisation of the NC Theatre” was pronounced as a provincial flagship.

The department said it’s open to negotiation and is willing to settle the issues, however, the artists refuse to accept anything other than their exact demands.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg