Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must) Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor Mwapatsa Mipando, has said the country should be treasuring art.
Mipando made the remarks in Thyolo District, where he officially launched a one-week Arts Boot Camp.
The camp has attracted 35 young creatives from different districts, with the youngest creative being 11 years old.
“We, as a university, are committed to elevating art. We are a people-centred university and, so, we want to connect art and science so that they move together as part of [efforts to] bring about solutions,” he said.
Executive Dean for Bingu School of Culture and Heritage, Atikonda Mtenje Mkochi, said the camp was the university’s continued contribution to its broader mission.
- Advertisement -
“We are committed to the institutional vision driven by a clear strategic plan built on solid pillars. Our school exists to bridge a gap. We have consciously decided to be the primary champion of the People and Society pillar,” Mtenje Mkochi said.
She said the school sat at the absolute core of Must’s mandate.
“Science without humanity is incomplete and technology without cultural context lacks direction, hence the Arts Boot camp,” Mtenje Mkochi said.
With funds from the Copyright Fund, the camp— which is spearheaded by Must’s Bingu School of Culture and Heritage—will drill the creatives in disciplines such as creative writing, music, herbal medicine and graphic design.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
During the launch, Must signed agreements with Nsima Sounds, led by veteran producer Tapps Bandawe, and the Story Workshop.
“We are here not merely to sign the documents but to begin something. This connection is all about building a bridge between culture and technology; between academic knowledge and the creative industry,” Bandawe said.
During the launch, people sampled artworks which were exhibited.
Herbal medicines were on display, too, as well as performances by students from the university.
