As part of the “Inclusion Lab” project, we have started visual arts and crafts classes at Mwambao special needs class in Bagamoyo. The classes focus on developing and nurturing participants’ individual artistic expression, as well as on learning techniques for a potential internship or cooperation with one of the local crafts stores, or a career in art and crafts.
Visual arts and creative self-expression can support communication: participants can translate their emotions, experiences, and opinions into visual forms. At the same time, important cognitive and motor skills can be learned through the artistic process and the use of different materials.
We aim to empower each student to find their own individual form of artistic expression, according to their pace and ability. Throughout the course of the class, the group will experiment with a range of different materials and media and explore different practices – for example, painting, drawing, textile art, printmaking, sculpture, collage, photography, and jewelry making.
Together with the Bagamoyo-based artists, and using high-quality materials, we already started on beading, textile work, acrylic painting, drawing, and batik (everyone was excited to receive their own tie-dyed T-Shirt!) We leave lots of time and space for trial and error – and are all learning from each other in the process.
We also aim to produce works that can be offered for sale. Selling designed works (such as paintings, postcards, hand-sewn bags, and bracelets) can boost students’ self-confidence, while generating important income for the class, for example, to assist in financing further materials for the class.
We also started some arts projects in Tanzania that will be continued by Canadian young artists with diverse abilities. Stay tuned for updates! 🙂