Art4Life: How Kenneth Alexander is inspiring youth through creativity

As part of our ongoing series, A Day in the Life of a Community Leader, we highlight individuals and organisations making a difference at the grassroots level across our communities.

This week, we feature Kenneth Alexander, a man who has turned paint, paper, and passion into a lifeline for his community.

Last week, we featured Peter Martin, from the Steenberg Community Forum (“Peter Martin: A Community leader committed to serving Steenberg”).

In the core of Seawinds, where opportunity can often feel out of reach for young people, Mr Alexander balances the roles of father, mentor, artist, and organiser, ensuring that children not only have a safe spacebut also the confidence and guidance to dream beyond their circumstances. 

What started as a single act of generosity has grown into Art4Life Art Wellness and Mentoring, an NPO that reaches youth across Seawinds, Retreat, Cafda, Lavender Hill, Capricorn, and even as far as Westlake, offering art programmes, mentorship, and experiences.

On any morning in Seawinds, the day begins with family.

The founder of Art4Life drops his children off at school before turning to a schedule that often stretches late into the night.

What began in 2020 as frustration, seeing children with nothing constructive to do, has grown into a registered non-profit serving youth across multiple communities.

“I sold one of my paintings and used the money to make 100 art packs, and I handed them out to the kids in the community because they had almost nothing to keep them busy,” he recalled. By 2023, the initiative was formally registered by him, his wife Simone Alexander, and his brother-in-law Kyle Cupido, who together form the backbone of Art4Life.

After the school run, his wife heads to work by bus, while he settles into a café to manage fundraising, donations, and event planning. From art walks in Rondevlei to museum visits, hikes, and outings to Cape Town or Muizenberg, each monthly initiative relies on donations or proceeds from his own art sales.

Describing the balancing act, he said structure is everything. “It’s all about scheduling and not overcommitting your time,” he explained. “Coming from the corporate world, I plan my diary carefully; whatever doesn’t get done today goes on the roster for tomorrow, but it will be done.” 

Afternoons are dedicated to planning art classes at Lavender Hill High and volunteering at the RAD Centre in Lavender Hill, supported by a curriculum that spans primary to high school learners.

Evenings often stretch from 9pm to 1am, when the house is quiet, and he returns to administration or finishes paintings to raise funds. 

Reflecting on what drives him, he said, “Taking my kids to school reminds me that many children struggle just to get there and to be children. Through art and our events, kids can be kids. It reminds me of when I was little, and nobody saw my talent.”

Burnout is a risk, but he credits his wife for keeping him grounded. “She reminds me that if I get ill, I won’t be able to do what we do,” he said, noting that milestones like a student entering the Zeitz MOCAA Art Education Programme keep him motivated.

Challenges are real, limited art supplies, few adult mentors, and high transport costs, but he works closely with fellow directors, councillors, galleries, and community stakeholders to create opportunities for young creatives. Yet it is the quiet victories that sustain him.

“When a shy child stands proudly next to their artwork, or when a young artist sells a piece and realises their talent has value, that’s when you see it’s not just about art. It’s about confidence, self-esteem, and showing them there are options in the life they’re living,” said Mr Alexander.