The University of Venda (UNIVEN), in partnership with its International Relations and Partnerships Directorate, the UNIVEN Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation (UCEfRI), the Technology Transfer Office, the ICT Department, the Thohoyandou Arts Centre, the Small Enterprises Development Agency (SEDA), the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), and the Department of Basic Education (DBE), hosted the inaugural UNIVEN Painted Artworks Skills Development Workshop Competition on 24-25 October 2024. Held at the UNIVEN Maths Building and Freedom Square, this year’s theme was “Science Communication.”
On Photo: Director International Relations and Partnerships
Dr Segun Obadire, the Director of International Relations and Partnerships, opened the event, encouraging participants to engage actively, learn new skills, and build valuable networks throughout the workshop.
On Photo: Mr Matome Mokoena, International Relations Officer.
In his talk, Mr Matome Mokoena highlighted the critical role of social media in helping visu-al artists expand their clientele. He emphasised that by leveraging social media’s global reach and implementing effective marketing strategies, artists can enhance their visibility and forge meaningful connections that drive sales. He expressed that this inaugural workshop not only pro-vided participants with essential skills and networking opportunities but also laid the ground-work for future annual events aimed at enriching the local arts community with enticing prizes.
Mr Hamza Patel, a visual artist and educator, stressed that art can be created using sim-ple materials found in nature. He inspired participants to express themselves through their artwork, using it as a powerful medium to address personal and social issues.
Mr Ndwamato Tshivhandekano from Ndima Art Centre shared his insights on using art as a tool for communication and problem-solving. He highlighted the healing power of colour in art and its ability to influence emotions. Mr Netshivhodza from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture expressed enthusiasm for UNIVEN’s initiative to nurture creativity in the region.
The workshop engaged UNIVEN students, local high school learners from Thohoyandou Secondary School, Marude Secondary School, and Fulufhelo Spe-cial School. Participants enjoyed various activities, including painting lessons, discus-sions on protecting intellectual property, and guidance on starting creative artwork busi-nesses. They competed for top prizes while learning essential painting techniques.
Local artists facilitated the workshop, demonstrating fundamental painting techniques and inspiring the participants. Exhibitors also showcased their painted artworks during the event. The Technolo-gy Transfer Office underscored the importance of intellectual property protection for visual artists, explaining how securing rights can enhance financial opportunities and maintain artistic integrity.
The workshop’s success illustrated the potential for future events to enrich the local arts com-munity further and attract more participants and sponsors. DSAC representative Mr Thin-gahangwi Netshivhodza encouraged UNIVEN to pursue funding for future annual events.
On Photo: Ndou Andani, a Grade 9 learner from Marude Secondary School
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in a painting competition that culminated in a show-case of their talents. The event concluded with a standout moment: Grade 9 learner Andani Ndou from Marude Secondary School won first place for the best-painted artwork of the competition.
This workshop marked a significant step forward in nurturing artistic talent and fostering creativity within the local community, promising exciting prospects for future collaborations and initiatives.
Issued by:
Department Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
