Introducing the three GPS projects for 2025

Karoo Kewpie is a collaborative endeavour between the District Six Museum (D6M) and the GALA Queer Archive (GALA) to bring a vision of Salon Kewpie - Legacy Project to Karoo Kaarte, who are a community led, arts project based in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape. The Salon Kewpie - Legacy Project utilises the Kewpie Photographic Collection (housed at GALA) as a historical reference for contemporary artistic exploration of sexual and gender identities. The Salon Kewpie Collective have developed an annual workshop programme that highlights the legendary queer icon, Kewpie, her community, their radical refusal to abide by the apartheid regime, and their insistence on living authentically. Through the framework of (vogue) Ballroom and the Kewpie Collection, Salon Kewpie have created a space for queer, people of colour to be empowered by historical queer representation that is local and relatable. Karoo Kewpie is an adaptation of the Salon Kewpie programme where we will support Karoo Kaarte and the queer residents of Oudtshoorn, in exploring, encouraging and developing their own ambitious expressions of identity in a way that resonates with their own historical context. As GALA and D6M are established repositories of local histories, this project will also offer Karoo Kaarte insights and approaches to inclusive, community-focused practices that could be applied and adapted to their own developing archive, of which houses over twenty-five queer oral histories.

Collaborators:
GALA Queer Archive (Karin Tan) @gala_archive
District Six Museum (Tina Smith) @districtsixmuseum
Karoo Kaarte (Vaughn Sadie, Neil Coppen, Tiffany Saterdaght, Glenisha Tarentaal, Colin Meyer, Diano October, Jade Barry, Shandre Harris, Ferron Booysen, Jermaine Bruintjies and Blake Lube) @karookaarte
Salon Kewpie (Cheshire Vineyard)
KKNK Festival @kknkfees
@kewpie_legacy

This project seeks to revive and celebrate Umthilane, a traditional folklore dance of the Swazi people, performed mainly during wedding ceremonies in the South-Eastern region of Eswatini. At risk of erasure due to a lack of institutional support and its limited practice, Umthilane remains largely unknown in the more developed central and northern regions. The project aims to preserve and revitalize this cultural treasure through live choreographed performances by the Umthilane Dance Group, in collaboration with contemporary dance artist Sithembiso Magagula. By blending traditional and modern elements, the performances will foster artistic innovation and cultural exchange between rural and urban communities. These showcases will take place in the Vuvulane community at the JEREMPAUL Lifestyle Centre and at the Theatre Club in Mbabane, the capital city. We will engage youth through performances and panel discussions, encouraging them to learn and preserve this heritage. Additionally, a cultural dialogue event will be held to discuss the relevance of traditional dance in modern Eswatini, with input from cultural experts and the community. The entire process, from rural performances to contemporary showcases, will be documented in a mini-documentary to raise awareness and promote Eswatini's rich cultural legacy.

Collaborators:
Umthilane Dance Group
Choreographer - Sitsembiso Magagula @toothless_da_dancer
Antidote Music @antidotemusic @antidote_culture
Venues: Yini Loku @yini.loku, Mbabane Theatre Club @eswatinitheatreclub, JEREMPAUL Lifestyle Center Vuvulane @jerempaulofficial

*Peiso ea Likhomo: Masters of The Basotho Cattle Race* follows five herders from different villages in the sun-drenched plains of Tajane, Mafeteng, as they prepare for a prestigious event that transcends mere competition. This cattle race, deeply rooted in Basotho culture, reflects the intimate bond between herders and their cattle, with speed, skill, and endurance being key. Traditionally linked to agricultural celebrations, cattle worship, and community gatherings, Peiso ea Likhomo showcases the enduring significance of cattle, representing wealth, status, and survival in Basotho society. The documentary captures the herders’ training, struggles, and personal journeys leading to the race, weaving their individual stories with broader themes of tradition, family, and community. Through quiet moments of bonding with their cattle and the frenetic energy of race day, the film explores how these modern-day heroes honor their ancestors while competing for pride and legacy. With powerful cinematography, it paints an intimate portrait of Basotho life, the spiritual importance of cattle, and the social stakes involved. Ultimately, *Peiso ea Likhomo* celebrates the unbreakable bond between people and the land, tradition, and progress, offering a highoctane yet deeply reflective view of the Basotho spirit.

Collaborators:
Toka Hlongwane @thesunburntson
Kananelo Maboee @kananeloMaboee
Tumelo Liphoto @Motho.oa.bohlokoa