The FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust and The College of the Arts yesterday inaugurated two brand new kilns – valued at N$135 000 and funded by the FirstRand Foundation.
Ms. Jane Katjavivi, Trustee of the FirstRand Namibia Foundation: “As a leading financial services provider, FirstRand Namibia places great importance on developing creative ways to help our fellow Namibians develop their businesses and livelihoods. The FirstRand Namibia Foundation is the vehicle through which we support non-profit organisations and institutions working towards the development and empowerment of the broader community.”
Katjavivi added that one of the pillars supported by the Foundation is Arts and Culture. The importance of this sector is recognised because it inspires individuals and communities and has the potential to provide employment and opportunities for creative enterprises.
Nicky Marais, Head of Department, Visual and Fashion Design at the College of the Arts advised that the power of art to transform peoples’ lives was obvious when looking at the people who attend any of the courses or classes on offer.
“Young people enroll as first year students not really knowing what they are doing there or who they are, but by the end of their third year they emerge as young artists with ambition and passion. The Kilns donated by the FirstRand Namibia Foundation are an incredible and valuable asset to the College and will be utilised for many years to come.”
The College of the Arts teaches ceramics in two different locations in Windhoek, namely the Theatre School Campus – with a studio which provides a creative outlet for both working people and school children who can take part-time classes in ceramics and learn this wonderful skill and enjoy themselves. At the Katutura Community Art Centre, accredited three-year full-time diploma courses are taught where young people who may come from disadvantaged backgrounds, but who have a lot of talent, can get an arts education in many different art techniques and disciplines.
