South African creative solutions agency, Machine_ has launched its 2022 Mandela Day campaign: “Machine_67 x Blackboard”, offering incredible artworks in an online raffle to those who donate to the cause, in turn supporting future creative talent.
Machine_ has always been a keen supporter of Mandela Day. “In the past, Machine_ used to donate 67 minutes of our collective time to good causes, but when the pandemic hit, we had to think of new ways to make sure everyone could participate, no matter where they were working or living, to support those in need,” says Robyn Campbell, Machine_ Managing Director in Cape Town.
Key creative staff members at Machine_ then volunteered their time to create unique artworks, inspired by Mandela. These artworks were put into an online raffle, whereafter the proceeds were donated to a good cause. This year is the third staging of the Machine_67 campaign and the second time that Machine_ is partnering with Blackboard Community.
“Last year we raised over R10 000 for Blackboard, which is a non-profit that is committed to transforming the creative industry from the ground up,” explains Lindsey Rayner, Machine_ Managing Director in Johannesburg. “After the raffle closed and we had tallied the donations, we also invited Blackboard school goers to spend the day in office with us, learning about the world of advertising and interacting with key players in the industry. It was a great success (watch the video here),” says Robyn.
The team at Machine_ hope to raise even more this year, setting their goal at R15 000. “At Machine_, we understand how important it is to develop young talent. We have an internal programme called ‘The Forge’ which aims to find and shape undiscovered talent, with a view to making our industry more accessible. Blackboard’s slogan is ‘democratising creativity’ – so it’s a great alignment for us to be working with them on this campaign,” says Robyn.
“It’s vital to support a cause which unearths diverse talent in the South African advertising landscape,” says Jabulani Sigege, Executive Creative Director at Machine_. “Because we know we need it,” he explains. “Our talented staff members not only get to showcase their creativity, but also create a pipeline to untapped talent. Talent that can be mentored and exposed to advertising as a career opportunity from high school,” he says of the initiative.
This year, nine Machine_ talented staff members donated their time to each create a unique piece of art inspired by Nelson Mandela, which adds an additional link to Mandela Day itself, which is when the online raffle closes.
The pieces are titled:
- “Reconciling Truth” a charcoal and pastel drawing by Marnus Nieuwoudt
- “Synchronicity” an illustration by Vuyani Masango
- “I Never Lose” an illustration by Katya Wagner
- “Rising” an acrylic painting by Marissa Steyn
- “I pretended to be a drone” a photograph by Celeste Jacobs
- “One Street At A Time” a photograph by Roderick Laka
- “Elephant – Wisdom” a photograph by Louw Strydom
- “Ubuntu” an illustration by Riyaaz Freeman
- “End of silence” a drawing by Francois Coetzee
To support the initiative and stand the chance of winning one of the artworks, simply donate R50, or more, via Quicket. The competition closes on 18 July, at midnight. Winners are then randomly chosen and the artwork will be sent to them. All the funds raised will then get donated to Blackboard along with another day of creativity, learning and exploration hosted at the agency for the Blackboard students.
