Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) with support from the French Embassy in Uganda through the FSPI Culture Project has organized a number enhancement workshops in practical and technical aspects and curatorial processes for artists.
According to the UNCC, Executive Director Peter Ojede, the Portfolio workshops will equip artists with the necessary skills and knowledge required to document and present works in a contemporary format suitable for the delivery of intellectual philosophies in a way that attracts international opportunities.
Ojede noted that the intensive training workshop scheduled to start from December, 7-13, will end with a public presentation to the public.
The workshop, will equip participants with documentation and representation of artists on the international stage focused on reviewing artist profiles, reviewing artist statements, developing and designing a portfolio.
“Following an open call sent out on 18th November 2021, we received 15 applicants out of which five were selected. Today, UNCC- The Nommo Gallery is proud to unveil the five selected participants after a careful selection process by a team of professionals,” Ojede said.
He revealed the participants as, Jacobs Nsaali, Performing Artist, Dorothy Nabunjo, Gallery Manager Xenson Art space, Katesi Jacqueline, Visual artist, Mukiibi Najib Kharim, Visual Arts student and Samson Ssenkaaba (Xenson), a Multi-Media Artist and founder Xenson Art Space.
Philip Balimunsi the Nommo Gallery manager, Said that Ugandan artists have over time struggled to present their work to the global stage due to compromised documentation.
He however noted that, due to international demands, representation and documentation have become crucial if artists wish to penetrate the global market.
“Many artists in the past have failed to make an international presence at prestigious international stage due to inadequacy of knowledge and skills on how to document and present art to art institutions, agencies, foundations, art fairs, galleries, and museums Therefore, UNCC-Nommo Gallery has prepared a portfolio review workshop to develop and re-package portfolios of Ugandan artists to prepare artists for a global stage, networks, and global representation,” Balimunsi said.
Robert Musitwa the Public Relations Manager at UNCC, noted that the global dynamics of artistic engagement have progressed from physical to virtual and from one on one to institutions and representations.
“Processes demand that artists and or their management define the scope of their collections and productions through the documentation for purposes of assessment by curators, collectors, Museums, and galleries to determine an institutional decision on whether such an artist is worth collecting or including into a given project, exhibition or collection,” Musiitwa said.
In addition to the training workshop, their will be other activities like renovations to the gallery as host venue which started on 22 November 2021. One gallery space will be upgraded to offer participants a great ambiance but also create a safe environment during the pandemic.
