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Work with gifted artists... Learn the techniques and heritage embedded in West African art... Inspire children to develop their own creative minds, abilities and self-esteem... and take home a handmade bongo!
What to expect
Work with gifted African artists to learn the unique techniques & heritage of West African art, and inspire African children to develop their own creative abilities and ambition. All this in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, as part of our warm, safe and secure community. Walk with elephants, laugh with the locals and watch the sun set over golden beaches.
NB: No formal artistic training is required, although an interest in art & craft is expected.
Art & Design in Ghana
Art has always been an important part of West African life, both as a decorative and a communicative medium. Although Ghana is blessed with a number of talented artists, artistic development is often restricted by a narrow school curriculum and limited resources. Therefore, art is only accessible through charitable after-school clubs and in Art Colleges. Our Art and Design placement is an ideal opportunity for you to make art available to those young Ghanaians who would otherwise be excluded from developing their creative abilities. In addition, you will have the chance to work alongside some of Africa's leading artists, sharing ideas and styles from western and African traditions.
Your Placement
You placement will involve a combination of teaching in schools and working with local artists. You will work with a charitable organisation to run after-school art classes within a number of local schools. The club extends right across the artistic spectrum, from painting to sculpture to photography, so you will be able to focus on one or many of a number of different areas. Aside from learning artistic techniques and self-expression, the children you work with will greatly value the attention and help you offer, and life-long friendships are sure to be made.
The other element of your placement will be spent working with a number of gifted Ghanaian artists, designers or photographers in a range of disciplines including painting, sculpture, carving, screen printing, jewellery design, batik and photography. Through your discussions and practical experimentation, you will learn a great deal about the imagery, history and style of African art, which has a unique character set apart from western heritage. At the same time, you may be able to offer advice on technique, and introduce new ideas and interpretations. (Please note that working with the local artists is subject to their availability and may incur an additional contribution for time and material.)
Your Role
It is up to you to decide your level of involvement during your teaching placement. However, there is a vast pool of artistic knowledge that you can take advantage of and so we invite you to delve as deeply as possible. There is no obligation to keep up with your associated artists, but we are sure that you will want to take full advantage of the artistic ideas they want to share.
In taking your role at the arts club, you will be able to create a programme with your class by developing a syllabus and setting achievement targets. This will, of course, demand more consistent commitment. The ultimate goal for students will be to display some of their work in a special exhibition, which the arts club will help you to organise. This will be crucial in the development of their self-confidence and in setting firm foundations for a possible professional career in art. Exhibitions will also be an opportunity to promote the work of the arts club which, as a charitable programme, is always striving for wider awareness and support.
University Electives and Dissertations
If you are an art and design, or another type of creative student, and able to use part of your studies to gain hands-on experience, we can make an elective programme ideal for you. We have had a number of students working in Ghana towards their degree, either filling course electives or researching and working towards their dissertation. And if you are already qualified, it is a perfect opportunity to gain the sought-after experience all professional employers look for.
Social Life
We believe it is important to give volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. The team therefore organises a variety of activities, bringing volunteers together to share their experiences and have a good time. Some of these activities include trips to Ghana's best night spots, All-You-Can-Eat-and-Drink nights, 5-a-side football and volleyball matches.
Other options...
Art and Design projects in South Africa, Teaching in Ghana or South Africa.
We have loads more exciting sports and volunteering opportunities on offer - simply make an enquiry to receive a free brochure.
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