Converse unveils All Stars programme recipients in SA

They are 21-year-old Thato Chosa Ché Bernardo (Cape Town) and 22-year-old Ginelio Da Silva (Johannesburg). Through this global programme, young emerging creatives receive tools that are designed to assist them to create concepts of their desired disciplines.

The winning concept by Bernardo seeks to create a self-sustaining micro industry that will enable young emerging creatives to grow. Bernardo’s concept was implemented in the form of an event featuring three local creatives in music, art and fashion at Botanik Social House in Cape Town on 30 July.

“I believe in the growth and exposure of the creative community rather than just individual success, especially in South Africa,” Bernardo said. “South African creatives need to band together to improve the standards of the industry and reframe how they are perceived and represented. I call myself ‘The Creator of Worlds’ in the hopes that I can move the boundaries of the industry in South Africa and create the space for emerging creatives to thrive.”

Da Silva’s concept, meanwhile, will, on 19 August, take a bold move through music and fashion courtesy of a festival titled Coterie at the African Beer Emporium in Pretoria. The event will feature artists from different genres and backgrounds, with an opportunity for young and upcoming creatives in music and fashion to showcase their creativity at the event.

“The project addresses the need for connectedness and bringing people from different backgrounds together, it also addresses the need for opportunities and exposure for new artists and creatives in their fields,” Da Silva said.

“After five years I hope the project will have impacted multiple artists and designers’ careers helping them grow. Furthermore, I hope the project will inspire other promoters and event organisers to give opportunities to new artists who deserve to be given a break.”

Dedicated to supporting emerging creatives, the Converse All Stars accelerator programme invests directly in supporting the All Star communities, which are passionate about growing their creative disciplines in music, art, sustainability, fashion and sports, and constantly pushing boundaries.

Find more about the Converse All Stars accelerator programme here.