Community art workshop creates path for local talent

For many people in Ombili’s community, art is not only a hobby, but a hope and means of income and believing in oneself.

This was the spirit of the 12-day Knitting, Batik, and Painting workshop, held recently at the Ombili Community Centre in Windhoek.

The workshop brought together 12 aspiring designers and artists from the community and concentrated on skills such as knitting, tie-dye, and painting on canvases.

Batseba Kausiona, one of the centre’s members, says the workshops did not only train people, but empowered them.

“As a group, we use our skills to empower others through art, to inspire creativity, and to strengthen our relations within the communities through art, as art can be used for education, entrepreneurship, and positive change.”

At the end of the workshop, participants displayed their knitted hats, tie-dye pieces and canvas works in a mini exhibition. Community response was encouraging, especially from the men who took part in the workshop.

“The men were quite pleased to learn how to knit,” says another member, Lahiah Musimani. “It was a bit of a challenge teaching beginners, but some of them were interested in acquiring new skills and did not quit.”

Eveline Haindobo, a beneficiary of the workshop, says she was a stranger to the art of knitting.

“With dedication and commitment, I acquired the different patterns of knitting and was able to produce my own for sale.”

Haindobo is selling her hats and bolas in the community.

David Panewa, one of the men who attended the workshop, says he learnt how to crochet.

Ndukireepo Vezembuaa says finding material as an artist is challenging.

“If you don’t have funds, it can be difficult for you to succeed on your artistic journey.”

The workshop was made possible through support from the National Arts Council of Namibia. Funding helped cover materials, facilitation costs, and ensured a safe learning environment.

“The art council’s support played a big role in the success of the workshop,” Vezembuaa says. “It helped us reach more community members, especially youth and women who would not have had access to such opportunities.”

The centre announced huge plans for this year and the future, with plans to take the workshop to Mariental, and eventually across all parts of the country through national arts funding.

“This year we are focusing much on schools,” Kausiona explains. “There are activities in art that are not being done in schools, and we want them to benefit as well. We are planning to teach mural painting, which involves wall preparation and design to paint, as well as measurements to transfer designs to walls.”

Kausiona says future participants can look forward to ‘something different’ and ‘more research,’ as well as ‘fresh art mediums and harsh challenges.

“It’s a new year, and the expectations are high,” Musimani says. “We need recognition in the industry, recognition at the institution, and recognition in the market. We know Namibia has great and intelligent people, but many of them don’t get the chance to be recognised. This year, we hope to really make our mark.”

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