Corporate Social Review Magazine 3rd & 4th QUARTER 2013 | Page 50

South African Network Overview The South African Room 13 network extends to the following schools: Room 13 Sapebuso Primary School Soweto Room 13 Reasoma High School Soweto Room 13 St. Martin de Porres Room 13 was introduced to South Africa in 2005. This was the first development to take place on the initiative of TBWA Worldwide, who approached Room 13 for help in implementing their vision for a worldwide school of creativity. TBWA \ Hunt Lascaris, based in Johannesburg, grasped the opportunity, and the project got underway initially with two studios in South Africa; one in Sapebuso Primary School in Soweto, and one in Mmulakgoro Intermediary School in Botshabelo. Today, the Room 13 studio network extends across every province in South Africa, with more than 15 studios. TBWA\ Hunt Lascaris continues to champion Room 13 in South Africa. As the co-ordinating body, their role involves supporting the development of the studios, sourcing sponsorship, and providing resources and opportunities for networking and income generation. They make a continuous effort to raise the profile of Room 13 and host events, such as the annual Lekgotla, that will enhance the experience of learners and artists involved. Their mission is to develop and empower children to become the best that they can be. 48 Room 13 Olivantsvlei Room 13 Dargle Room 13 Kwa Cutshwayo Room 13 Kwa Maquza Room 13 Silwane Room 13 Addington Room 13 Mmulakgoro Room 13 Amohelang Room 13 Edwaleni Room 13 Maqamela Room 13 Kew Town Room 13 Emthanjeni Room 13 Kgale High School Primary School Primary School Primary School Primary School Primary School Primary School Intermediate School Intermediate School Primary School Primary School Primary School Primary School Primary School Soweto Soweto Kwa Zulu Natal Kwa Zulu Natal Kwa Zulu Natal Kwa Zulu Natal Kwa Zulu Natal Free State Free State Mpumalanga Mpumalanga Western Cape Northern Cape Northern Province As one of the longest established Room 13 studios in South Africa, Room 13 Sapebuso acts as a model for other studios in the region. They work hard to maintain a high standard in their creative work and receive many important and curious visitors. The studio has featured in local and national newspapers and been the subject of a programme produced by the South African Broadcasting Corporation. Since Room 13 became established in the school, Sapebuso has seen a tremendous rise in the number of learners and the school has had the opportunity to develop as a result. They have established a gallery on the premises to showcase their work, and host many workshops run by visiting artists. In their own words: “Thanks to Room 13 and the ongoing support from TBWA\ and other agencies, it is now normal for Sapebuso’s young artists to visit galleries, museums and artists’ studios.” CORPORATE SOCIAL REVIEW