Visual Arts Initiative Program Promotes Tanzanian Artists

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Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Charles F. Werderman welcomes VAI participants to the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam on July 28.

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Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Charles F. Werderman welcomes VAI participants to the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam on July 28.

Visual Arts Initiative Program Promotes Tanzanian Artists

August 2, 2011

From July 4 through 28, U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam successfully held Visual Arts Initiative (VAI), exhibitions and workshops featuring the work of 27 American artists from Ohio. The VAI programs in Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar were held in collaboration with the Tanzania U.S. State Alumni Association (TUSSAA), Tanzanian Women Artists' Network (TZWAN), Great Lakes Consortium for Training for International Development (GLC), the Alliance Francaise, and the Arts Council of Lake Erie, Ohio. The hands-on artist workshops were provided free-of-charge for over 200 local Tanzanian artists. The programs were led by Mr. Martin Nagy of Toledo, Ohio, an American artist and instructor with knowledge of the arts in the United States and Tanzania.

Tanzanian art exhibit.

On July 28, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Charles F. Werderman welcomed an exhibition and artists' roundtable discussion to the U.S. Embassy. Participants included representatives from the National Museums of Tanzania, the Tanzania Arts Council (BASATA) and Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources, Tourism and Culture, and members of the Tanzanian media. "We congratulate you because your work honors the golden legacy left by your ancestors through the generations. The American people are proud to partner with you in the Visual Arts Initiative Program. From Dar es Salaam to Tanga, and Zanzibar you have promoted the unique cultural values of Tanzania," Mr. Werderman said.

The exhibitions showcased U.S artists and art as part of a project which included interactive educational and outreach programming for Tanzanian artists. These consisted of master classes, workshops, lectures, collaborative art projects, and other interactive teaching tools to instruct artists on marketing techniques for domestic and international markets. Participants also learned from Mr. Nagy how to "tell their stories," demonstrate "value," connect with the consumer, and use appropriate tagging and pricing of artworks, artists' biographies, signage, display, and technology. Of special impact, the VAI's facilitated dialogue and engagement with local audiences in the three cities and provided a forum for artists to meet and establish a national network to promote Tanzanian art from different regions. Each VAI concluded with artists painting a community mural in each city.

Fifteen artists were selected among the 200 participants to attend special "Focus Group Discussions" where they received additional professional development training. The sessions assisted participants with planning, developing, and operating grassroots arts organizations and networks, including establishment and management of art NGOs.

Participants in all three locations expressed common goals for increased support and recognition for artists and their work, and promotion of arts education programs for children of all ages in schools and communities.

The Visual Arts Initiative Program is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.

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Courtesy: http://tanzania.usembassy.gov/ph_08022011.html

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