RMB Namibia comes together with NAGN

WINDHOEK, Feb. 20 – On Monday 19 February 2018 RMB Namibia, through the FNB Namibia Foundation Trust, and the National Art Gallery of Namibia officially launched the RMB Come Together Workshop Series in Windhoek.

At the event, Rehabeam Auala, RMB CSI Committee Chairperson expressed his delight at being able to partner with a series of workshops for scholar and amateur artists. “This is part of RMB’s committed goal to support the creative economy as an important part of society. The workshops are a unique series that will be facilitated by professional artists, who will create a sustainable link between aspiring artists and the industry in which they might find themselves on an artistic journey.”

He added that the arts are an integral part of the human experience and throughout history; they have empowered the transformation of individuals and societies by providing a place for people to revisit, reflect and respond. “A strong arts education is foundational to developing creative, educated citizens. Students explore the world through an artistic lens, and can express ideas, opinions, beliefs, emotions, and perspectives. Engaging in the creative process encourages thinking and problem-solving skills vital to living in our rapidly changing world. The arts connect students with history, heritage and culture, fostering an understanding of the diverse values and perspectives of national and global societies. Even if many of the participants in the workshop do not go on to become practicing artists, these kinds of workshops also facilitate creative growth and the expression of ideas, which is proven to improve wellbeing and mental health.”

NAGN CEO, Snobia Kaputu thanked RMB Namibia for their support of the workshops which would be held in 14 regions of the country. She said: “The ‘Come Together Workshops’ will focus on collaborative efforts and facilitation that encourages team work amongst the participants. These kinds of efforts are important in providing a platform for young participants to navigate group dynamics in a secure and encouraging setting. As a diverse society, this would also give attention to the idea that we need to be able to come together, work together and move forward to achieve sustainability, ingenuity, and excellence.

Participant, Alleta Malima, a first year education student at IUM said, “one of my modules is arts, and I believe this platform will allow our minds to be opened to experience more than what we do in the classroom but most importantly, it’s for us to be better art teachers.”

Ndasuunye Papa Shikongeni, Workshop Facilitator: “It is important when society and government can see art investment in youth as a priority because it enables us to develop arts within the education system. Creativity is the daily life we live in, everything we have is art; our clothes, jewellery, shoes and even cell phones – even our cars are designed by artists. We must have a visual that looks at the art design industry, so that the youth can also become like the legends; John Mwafengeyo, Joself Madisia, Andrew van Wyk, Trudie Dicks, and Peter Mwahalungange. It is important that our youth become more serious by working hard, because that is the only wheel that will assist us to become successful and sustainable members of society. It is good for us to be creative and innovative, with ideas, that will embrace the industry of arts in this country and encourage the youth and kids and to make sure that our elders understand the importance of arts development.”

A minimum of four workshops will be held annually outside Windhoek central area, and two in Windhoek area, thus a total of minimum six workshop per year, and eighteen workshops over three years. The Project will be rolled-out in the 14 regions commencing with the Print-making project in Windhoek from 19 – 23 February 2018. Financial support by RMB Namibia is valued at over N$ 400 000 over the next three years. – NDN Staffer