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Palesa Segomotso Motsumi, a trailblazing creative social entrepreneur, shares her journey from the corporate grind to the exciting world of art and social change. Through her groundbreaking work with Sematsatsa Library and projects like "Hashtag That's What She Said," Palesa uses art as a powerful medium to spark dialogue and transform communities across South Africa. Her story is a testament to the power of art in fostering inclusivity and empowering women, as she highlights the diverse and interconnected nature of visual arts, music, fashion, and architecture.

As Palesa tells us in this conversation, passion, resilience and sacrifice are the bare minimum you need to take a leap from corporate to entrepreneurship. But it also takes the support of people who believe in you. Palesa has moved from her hometown of Bloemfontein, through the art scenes of Johannesburg and Cape Town and she gives us a taste of her experiences there.

Find out how she moved from reluctant curator to a powerful player with her own arts agency and consultancy. Find out how she has balanced the need for financial stability with her work as a social entrepreneur, and how she advises young artists to create their own sustainable careers in this space.

Through her work and connecting with artists and curators who inspire new narratives in the art world, Palesa now has a dream of creating an institution that would give back to the community that nurtured her talent and supported her career. Palesa draws inspiration from figures like Ghanaian artist, Ibrahim Mahama, and her passion for gardening and plants, which also influences her life life philosophy. Don't miss this amazing conversation!

LINKS AND MENTIONS

Palesa's Social Media Accounts - Sematsatsa Library and Personal Profile

Lawrence Lemoana
Mary Sibande
Ruth Motau
William Kentridge
Zanele Muholi

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