Israeli-Ugandan Art Academies Exchange Program Overview
CoCuDi Center, in collaboration with the African Studies Gallery, facilitates a groundbreaking exchange program between Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, Shenkar College in Ramat Gan, and the School of Fine Art at Makerere University in Kampala. This program enables participants to exchange technical and scholarly knowledge while immersing themselves in new cultural settings, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
Program Goals
The program aims to promote and develop social, cultural, educational, and creative activities between Israeli and Ugandan art academies. By facilitating these exchanges, CoCuDi seeks to empower individuals and communities, promoting socio-economic and cultural development. Additionally, the program strives to engage diverse audiences, creating opportunities for local and international cultural exchange.
Program Activities:
Makerere Graduate Students and Junior Faculty Teaching Assistants Year Apprenticeship at Bezalel (2018-2020) –
Two graduate students or junior faculty members from Makerere University’s School of Industrial and Fine Art participate in a two-semester apprenticeship at Bezalel Academy. They train as teaching assistants, collaborate on joint projects, and take courses from Bezalel’s Theory and Criticism Department.
Projects Research Group (2018-2020) –
During their academic year at Bezalel, Makerere teaching assistants join a research group alongside other teaching assistants. Together, they identify and tackle design technology challenges related to materials, production, or community needs through innovative design, craft, and art solutions.
Makerere Faculty Senior Artist Residency at Bezalel (2018-2020) –
Once a year, a senior artist from Makerere University participates in a 4-week artist residency at Bezalel. They work on a studio project and teach an intensive class or workshop, sharing their expertise with Israeli students.
Bezalel Faculty Artist’s Intensive Course at Makerere (2019) –
Makerere University hosts a Bezalel faculty member for a two-week residency, during which they work on a studio project and lead an intensive class or workshop, contributing to the creative exchange between the institutions.
Bezalel Students Summer Internships in Uganda (2019) –
Two Bezalel students from the Ceramics and Glass Department participate in a two-month internship in Uganda, attending classes and workshops at Makerere University and working with local organizations that promote positive development through art, design, and craft.
Remote Peer Instruction Course (2020-2022) –
Due to the pandemic, the program transitioned to a remote format, with students from Bezalel and Makerere University collaborating on joint projects under the guidance of CoCuDi instructor Tamar Dekel. Students from both universities explored their local materials and traditions, creating art that combined Ugandan and Israeli heritage.
Bark Cloth Workshop (2021, 2023) –
This workshop, led by Dr. Venny Nakazibwe from Makerere University, introduced students from Shenkar College and Makerere University to the history, production, and techniques of bark cloth, a traditional Ugandan textile. The workshop included lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, bridging theoretical and practical learning.
Indigenous Craft and Textile Visiting Course (2024) –
A collaborative course at Makerere University on indigenous craft, textile and bark cloth in Uganda, with the Textile Design Department at Shenkar College, and the Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Art at Makerere University Kampala.
Visual Critique Course (2021) –
Dr. Eran Ehrlich of Bezalel Academy led a remote course for graduate students at Makerere University on critical thinking in the visual arts. The course encouraged students to analyze their roles as creators and the relationship between creation and consumption, fostering deep, reflective artistic practices.
Wood Carving and Sculpture Course (2021-2024) –
Dr. Lilian M. Nabulime, a wood carving specialist from Makerere University, taught a course on wood carving and sculpture techniques to Bezalel students. The course combined online demonstrations with studio practice, allowing students to explore the tactile qualities of wood and traditional Ugandan carving methods.
Tree Bark Cloth as a Raw Material Workshop (2023) –
This joint workshop between Bezalel’s Ceramics and Glass Design Department and Makerere University focused on bark cloth, a textile made from the bark of the Ficus tree. In this three-day hybrid workshop, students from both institutions collaborated to explore the material’s properties and create contemporary designs inspired by traditional techniques.
Toy Design in light of Childhood Memories (2024) –
Advances studies design research course for the Master program in Industrial Design at Bezalel Academy, in collaboration with Makerere University advanced design studies.
Program Exhibitions and Public Engagements –
The program places a strong emphasis on public engagement, hosting art and educational exhibitions in both Israel and Uganda. These events aim to expose wider audiences to the cultural richness of both regions, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation.
The Israeli-Ugandan Art Academies Exchange Program continues to evolve, offering innovative and enriching experiences for participants. Through in-person and remote activities, the program fosters creativity, cross-cultural dialogue, and mutual respect between Israeli and Ugandan artists and students. By integrating public engagement and research initiatives, the program creates lasting cultural and social impact, contributing to the development of both local and global artistic communities.
The Israeli Ugandan art academies exchange is generously supported by Anatta Foundation