SOUTH African dancer and choreographer, Gregory Maqoma, has been awarded the 2023 Artfluence Human Rights Award by the Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
The award was announced at the closing of the 3rd edition of the annual Artfluence Human Rights Festival, which started on Wednesday, 3 May and ended on Sunday, 7 May.
The festival aims to highlight and celebrate how art contributes to a culture of human rights, social justice and dignity for all.
The awards recognise South African artists who use their creative talents and voices to heal the wounds of the past and whose artistic work contributes to the values enshrined in the South African Constitution.
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The CCA said it recognises the significant body of work that Gregory has created that represents his commitment to social justice and to giving dignity to people. He fearlessly speaks out against injustices.
“His achievements, both nationally and internationally as a choreographer of stature and as a dynamic artist, public intellectual and social justice champion, makes him a respected choice for the 2023 Artfluence Human Rights Champion Award,” said director of CCA Ismail Mahomed.
Gregory said: “I am encouraged by this heart-warming honour which I receive with much humility. It couldn’t have come at a better time when this year marks my 50th birthday, which is celebrated with works that are about legacy, both lived and living.”
The Artfluence Human Rights Award is announced each year at the closing of the Artfluence Human Rights Festival and coincides with the anniversary of the adoption of Mzansi's Constitution.
