Segments Of Sunshine - Melissa Sussens

CITRUS INSPIRED WRITING PROJECT IN SUPPORT OF CREATIVE COMMUNITY

In a time when creative and performing artists worldwide are challenged by the restrictive realities created by the COVID-19 pandemic, a truly South African citrus brand with a heart for the arts, initiated a project whereby wordsmiths were encouraged to use citrus, or the humble naartjie, as the inspiration for poems, prose or short stories. 

“A nation is as rich as its creative output,” says Abraham van Rooyen, Executive Chairman of the ClemenGold® Group. “The arts in all its forms push boundaries, broaden horizons, capture, explore and create pure beauty and joy to both creators and observers.” ClemenGold, South Africa’s most recognisable and loved mandarin brand and its leaders are known as patrons of the arts, having supported various artists and cultural initiatives in the past. Following the announcement of the lockdown in March, the brand has supported artists with sponsorships for virtual shows, and photographers and stylists in the food industry, with special commissions. 

A total of 78 submissions (62 in English and 16 in Afrikaans) were received from 46 writers since the project was announced on 27 April, and included poems, haiku, short stories and a letter. Each of the 33 top contributions receives a ClemenGold sponsored financial reward of R1,500 (plus R500 for a voice recording).

Sharing the work with the world:
The 33 selected written works and voice recordings are available via the ClemenGold website and the Soundcloud platform.

Submissions, judging panel and selection process:
According to project manager, Lara Kirsten, the prescribed theme centred on the naartjie (including tangerines, mandarins, etc) and did not specifically have to take the ClemenGold brand into account. “It was invigorating to see how creative minds and hearts were at work delving for meaning and memory to speak through their writing,” she says. “As an artist myself, I am moved by Abraham and the company’s vision and generosity. Every gesture of encouragement shown to our creatives helps keep the cultural heartbeat stimulated and alive. It has been very heartening and exciting to work alongside this ClemenGold team.”

The judging panel consisted of seven judges, including three from ClemenGold and four external judges: Theo Kemp and Elias P. Nel who are esteemed figures in the country’s literary scene, Lara Kirsten, pianist and poet and Luna Paige, singer and songwriter and owner of Illuminar Productions. 

Various aspects had to be considered during the judging process, including relevancy, coherency, innovation, originality, impact and marketability. “About half of the selected submissions incited unanimity amongst the judges, while the other half created much divided opinion,” shares Lara. “We are aware of the fact that judging poetry is a very subjective task. The variety of feelings and reactions that the submissions evoked in the judges just shows what an intimate and personal experience the reading of creative writing can be. The panel’s aim was to make a selection that best captures the imagery, metaphor, playfulness, humour, sensuality, nostalgia and sense of home and belonging that a naartjie ignites. It is a beautiful thing to see how this little fruit speaks in so many different and poignant levels to creatives.”

For information on ClemenGold visit www.clemengold.com or contact ClemenGold at info@clemengold.com

Segments Of Sunshine - Melissa Sussens

ClemenGold Naartjie Writing Project