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Makukhanye Art Room
The Makukhanye Art Room is a self-built 'Shack Theatre' based in the township of Khayelitsha, South Africa. The award-winning theatre was established in 2007 in response to the lack of art, rehearsal and performance spaces in townships. The Art Room, created in 2010, provides a safe space for over 1000 Black artists and artists of colour to engage with their art, by practicing new skills and creating artist networks. Through the Art Room, artists can practice art and heal their disadvantaged communities.

Theatre4Change Arts Project, a non-profit organization based in Khayelitsha, currently runs Makukhanye ("Let be the light") and is led by Mandisi Sindo (UCT), with assistance from Zanele Azuza Radu (UCT/Wits),  Mbulelo Grootboom (UCT), Khayalethu Anthony (Nata) and Asanda Rilityana (Magnet Theatre). The organization works with and for Black artists to connect to more the mainstream art scenes of South Africa, as well as internationally.

History
The venue is an increasingly important gathering space for dramatic productions, dance recitals, educational workshops, mentorship programs and community meetings. It provides for an ever-growing audience and network of actors, musicians, dancers, writers, directors, and artists based in Khayelitsha, who find it difficult to access the cultural infrastructure that otherwise exists in Cape Town’s city center.

Khayelitsha Theatre
Theatre4Change is working towards a better-equipped and flexible facility. A new and improved building has the potential to greatly expand the impact of the programs already underway, as well as improve access to the arts for all the residents of Khayelitsha.

Khayelitsha Art School
Theatre4Change has recently started the construction of the Khayelitsha Art School Institute & Rehabilitation Centre ( KASI-RC). When complete, the KASI-RC will also function as another Shack-Art-Centre. This project is education-based and the new facility will provide a platform for growth and development for young people within the township. It is estimated to be completed by 2023, but more funding is required.

Community Healing
South Africa's history of Apartheid has directly influenced Mandisi Sindo's vision for the Makukhanye Art Room. Artists scattered throughout townships isolated from the city-centers are disadvantaged by poverty and a lack of resources. Many township residents struggle with no running water, limited electricity, and drug/alcohol addiction. Crime is also rampant in townships, including Khayelitsha.

Through the space the Art Room provides, residents are able to escape the neglects of daily life. Artists and residents can spend their time creating projects, developing a sense of community, and exploring a new way of living. The Art Room provides hope in an otherwise dismal situation. They also provide a safe space if necessary for artists and visitors to sleep at night.