August 29, 2013

Kiibera Film School at the Arterial Network



Story by Dorothy Kangethe
On Saturday the 17th of August 2013 an impressive delegation of Hotsun representatives attended the Arterial Network Artists workshop held at the Kenya Cultural Center, at the Kenya National Theatre.

The Arterial Network defines itself as a dynamic network of individuals, organizations, donors, companies and institutions engaged in the African creative and cultural sector. The Kenya chapter is one of several regional secretariats that are geared towards changing the working conditions and to deliver real and substantial benefits to artists on the ground.

The Arterial Network seeks to create awareness on what’s happening in the country and the world about artists and grants. It’s a Pan-African based in South Africa and is a network of artists that supports art.

The key speakers from a wide range of artistic backgrounds in attendance included the likes of;

Gakunju Kaigwa (a Kenyan sculptor) 
Silvia Gishia (Director of Kuona trust)
Judy Kibinge (Filmmaker / Founder of East African Documentary Film Fund-DOCUBOX)
Buddah Blaze (Events promoter)


What I can say I learnt from the workshop was the basics of becoming an artist, believing in your dream and surviving in the budding Kenyan art scene. You’ve got to love what you do so that it gives you a reason to wake up in the morning because it’s all about passion.

Speakers emphasized the fact that it takes a lot of sacrifice to take up a practice. As well as the need to talk to people, communicate, learn more, be open-minded and network with people. This ensures that artists, whether freelance or employed have a consistent source of income and a manageable schedule. We as artists need to see beyond jobs that earn money to greater tasks in other sectors that will be more rewarding in the long run.


As for collective advice shared by advice
Don’t hold yourself back; don’t be afraid to start small.
Learn to open up, share, be ready for criticism
Success is not as overnight process, one has to start from somewhere 

Quotes


Gakunju Kaigwa, a Kenyan sculptor
Passion is the main thing to get you going.

Judy Kibinge, Filmmaker / Founder of East African Documentary Film Fund-DOCUBOX
Learn to share your idea/film, be ready for criticism and always share your fears
with the people you’re working with.

Being an artist, whether on the stage or behind the camera can seem like one of the most daunting tasks but this workshop definitely made a difference for novices and experts alike. We shared a commonality that needs to be emphasized so that we can feel united and actually make an impact in the arts. I will definitely sign up for the Subscribe to the arterial Networks newsletter to keep intouch with my fellow artistes.

For more information on the Arterial Network visit www.arterialnetwork.org



To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

No comments:

Post a Comment

It's not just a name welcome and learn the art of filmmaking. Our training is hands-on.