Founded in 2022, the academy aims to provide training and support for young creatives in Uganda and beyond, helping them to develop their talents and build successful careers.
On Friday, over 50 students of Swangz creative academy graduated in audio production, video production and graphics designing.
The event happened in Ntinda at one of the Swangz Avenue film production warehouses.
The event was graced with big industry key stakeholders like Anel Tunes one of the celebrated Sound Mixing Engineers, Artin Pro, a music producer, Raymond Malinga, a film maker, who is the first to direct a Ugandan animation for Disney plus.
Over 51 students were awarded with certificates from the Directorate of Industrial Training under the Ministry of Education.
Unlike other institutions, the Swangz creative academy model is 80% practical and this gave the students an opportunity to unlock their creative potential.
While at the graduation, different key stakeholders in the industry spoke to graduates to prepare them for their careers.
Artin Pro, Music Producer, said: “Experience is a teacher. Keep practicing when you fall you raise. As creatives, keep practicing and it’s with practice that you master your craft. Ensure that your muscle brain is at work always. Mind about how you influence the future.”
Julius Kyazze, Swangz Avenue Business Development Manager said: “Congratulations to all the students. Creativity and Innovation is key. The creative industry is as key as doctors. For instance the piece of art you produce is consumed by depressed people who also go to bars and relieve stress. Back in the day, even marrying a girl your job was key.
Society can’t progress without creativity and innovation. Even with researchers need a creative to record the process
Don’t allow the society to demean your importance. Collaborate and partner with people as creatives in order to elevate. Masters work with masters to achieve big dreams.”
Anel Tunes, Certified Sound Mixing Engineer, said: “Don’t chase, but attract. I have learned from experience what you chase, you don’t get. Instead attract and in order to attract you must understand value. Market pays you for the value you bring and how you bring value is by adding value to yourself by practicing the skills that you have learnt. For there’s no shortcut.”
Benon Mugumbya, Head of production at Swangz avenue, said: “Always have a yearn to learn more skills, don’t get comfortable. Winners are losers that decided to try again. In our creative world doors will be slammed at you. You will do your best work and it will be considered shitty. Always be open to try again even after you fall. Collaborate with people and always practice.”
The Swangz Creative Academy seeks to skill students who are passionate about developing a career within the creative arts industry.
The academy offers courses in audio production, cinematography, digital video editing, live broadcast, script writing, and film production.
All courses employ an 80% hands-on teaching technique with the rest being theoretical assessments with a question and answer format.
The next intake is set for September, 4th while registration is currently ongoing via academy.swangzavenue.com.
