19 Oct 2015

Batswana artists are set to benefit from an Art in Embassies cultural exchange that will be hosted by the United States of America Embassy in collaboration with Thapong Visual Arts Centre.

Speaking in an interview, coordinator of Thapong Visual Arts Centre Reginald Bakwena said the first cultural exchange will be held in Gaborone on October 20-22 and the second one will be in Maun on October 24-27 this year.

“Three American visual artists will offer collaborative workshops with Batswana artists to share techniques and help them develop career building skills as professional artists,” he said.

The workshops will be given in painting, sculpture and printmaking and the three American artists will also offer Botswana artists marketing and networking expertise.

He further said the visiting artists will also hold a public lecture at Thapong Visual Arts Centre on October 19.

 “Regarding the Maun workshop, the visiting artists will collaborate with Poetavango and will conduct educational programs and work with artists at the Maun International Arts Festival,” said Bakwena.

He also indicated that the three American artists will also help complete the second phase of the mural on Maun public library.

Bakwena further said the U.S. State Department’s Office of Art in Embassies (AIE) promotes cross cultural dialogue and understanding through the visual arts by curating permanent collections, temporary exhibitions and cultural outreach programs at US diplomatic facilities around the world.

According to a press statement from the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone, Public Affairs Section, AIE was established in 1963 and has worked in 171 different countries with over 20 000 participants including artists, museums, galleries, universities and private collectors.

The three visiting artists are  Peter Clouse, a Michigan artist who works with electronic wires to create large weavings, Jacquelyn Gleisner who was trained in foundational drawing, painting and sculpture and Jill Galarneau whose primary materials are paper and paint, which she uses to build both collages and installations. Ends