RASA is
“Art is something that gives people strength
and that matters to them.” – SIEN, aged 10
RASA – ART CONNECTS
Beauty, art, artists and children, a disarming experience.
RASA stands for a holistic way of bringing children into contact with art. All children, including our rural children in the Riebeek Valley in the Western Cape, South Africa, who rarely get a chance to engage with culture. Together with artists and children, we weave story lines in visual art, dance, storytelling and music.
Art touches the essence of humanity. Art is never indifferent. An encounter with art can only be through dialogue. Art does not coerce. Art does not tell you what to do, only how you might go about it. Art provokes questions and offers reflections – of yourself, the other, the world. Art has the power to heal, transform and connect people. The earlier in our development we receive these values, the stronger they take root within our existence.
RASA stands for artistic quality and for an inclusive and gentle approach in which every voice is heard.
Non-profit RASA has a Belgian background and has pioneered art-education over the past three decades. Collaborating with leading artists, art museums and cultural locations in Europe, RASA has curated for a young public specifically. In 2021 RASA found a new home on the slopes of the Kasteelberg in Riebeek West. Drawing on her experience, founding Mother Gerd Dierckx and a group of artists and enthusiastic volunteers initiate diverse weekly artistic and lasting activities for children to create joy and stimulate social change.
— RASA BELIEVES —
Art touches the essence of humanity. Art is never indifferent. An encounter with art can only be through dialogue, because art does not coerce. Art does not tell you what to do, only how you might go about it. Art provokes questions and offers reflections – of yourself, the other, the world. Art has the power to heal, transform and connect people.
Rasa OFFERS:
❥ ART CLASSES
From a fresh, stimulating and well-equipped Art Room at Riebeek West Primary School, RASA artists gently share creative skills and techniques with the children. Weekly workshops start with music and meditation and a talking stick exchange.
❥ STORYTELLING
Slowly our littlest creative minds are introduced to best stories, poems and pictures. Eyes wide, the enraptured children are encouraged to explore the wonder of their inner worlds to begin a creative journey.
❥ dance Collaborations
Yearly, the well-established JazzArt Dance Company of Cape Town and RASA collaborate to bring the art of dance to our young creatives. Six professional dancers work with our children to create an exciting choreographic experience.
❥ eXHIBITIONS
Introducing children to galleries and other cultural sites is integral to the RASA process. Visiting the Norval Foundation and Artscape and our own exhibitions such as BREATH BREEZE & WINGED THINGS are highlights of our teaching year.
Visit our News page to see Rasa in action
⤖ NEWS
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
❥ ART BOXES
Art Boxes are educational suitcases for teachers and students. Each case contains a workbook detailing the approach, a picture game and a set of philosophical questions, together with some objects related to the theme.
⤖ Art boxes
❥ LIBRARY
RASA has a fine library of children’s and art books. Writers and poets from South Africa and abroad are invited to come and work together around their children’s books.
❥ PUBLICATIONS
EYES FOR ART BY GERD DIERCKX This book offers inspiration to anyone who wants to embark on the adventure of experiencing art with children. EYES FOR ART reveals the specific working method of Rasa, gives children a voice and invites us to approach art differently. EYES FOR ART is available for R250 with the proceeds going 100% to the project.