Mali (English)
Intercultural Project Bamako, Mali (2009, 2010, 2012)
In February 2012 students of the Academy of Fine Art in Education [Academie voor Beeldende Vorming] of the Amsterdam School of the Arts [Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten (AHK)] and students of Fontys Academy of Fine Arts Tilburg and teachers Rosalie van Deursen and Jan Korevaar are going to pay a visit to Bamako, the capital of Mali again. During earlier trips, a blog was kept with stories and photos. The project is commenced in 2009 and took place for the second time in 2010. This is the third edition in 2012!
Description of exchange
During the project, the students of the Dutch art academies worked together with students of the INA (Institut National des Arts, Bamako, Mali). The students were given lessons in using the bogolan technique; painting with mud on canvas. The students prepared one or more lessons in pairs of Dutch and Malian students together, and these were taught at schools in Mali. Classes were also given to the children of expats at the American International School of Bamako.
African Art
African art, both ethnographic and contemporary, and visions and debates on non-Western Art and its exhibition occupied a central position. The main activities were visits to Bogolan centre N’Domo in Ségou; Museé National Bamako; Conservatoire [Bamako Academy of Arts]; individual contemporary artists and the art centre ‘Centre Soleil d’Afrique’ in Bamako.
Cross-fertilization of cultural inspiration
The bogolan technique was presented within the cultural-historical context of Mali. Of great importance was working in collectives. Working methods and concept development not frequently seen in Western societies and our art tradition were hereby employed.
Cooperation in educational art activities and discussions on art products allowed students and teachers of both countries to acquire collective experiences, leading to a cross-fertilization of cultural inspiration and greater mutual understanding!