COTA students showcase creativity at EU-backed design workshop

More than 30 students from the College of the Arts (COTA) demonstrated their creative flair during the Namibian Design Innovation Competition Workshop last week.The two-week programme, supported by the European Union, concluded with an award ceremony at the Katutura Community Art Centre in Windhoek.Held under the theme “Rooted in Tradition, Ready for Tomorrow”, the young artists were tasked with reimagining Namibia’s indigenous design traditions in modern forms and developing a logo symbolising the EU–Namibia partnership. Their projects included contemporary tote bags, textile patterns, and branding concepts that fused heritage with innovation.The competition awarded top honours to Salom Shivute for the best bag design, Rui Steenkamp for the best textile design, and Tuhafeny Shiyukifeni for the best logo design.International relations deputy minister Jennely Matundu commended the initiative for its role in empowering Namibian youth. “This workshop has not only strengthened skills but has also contributed to growing our creative industries in line with national priorities. I thank the EU and COTA for their commitment to uplifting local youth, art, and design,” she said in her keynote address.Culture as an engine for growthEU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, lauded the students’ work, stressing the importance of creativity for both cultural identity and economic growth. “Culture is not only about safeguarding traditions; it is also about innovation, jobs, and sustainable development. We recognise culture as an engine for growth, a bridge for dialogue, and a foundation for cooperation,” she said.Martins added: “Your work shows how tradition can inspire innovation, how heritage can meet modern markets, and how art can create opportunities for livelihoods. "Every student who took part has demonstrated creativity, discipline, and commitment.”Workshop coordinator, Papa Shikongeni, explained that the focus was on drawing inspiration from Namibia’s rich cultural heritage. “Students transformed traditional indigenous patterns inspired by basketry, pottery, woodcarving, and the timeless rock art of our people. "The vision was to apply these designs onto fabric, creating unique and functional products, such as bags, through textile innovation,” he noted.He further highlighted the broader impact of the programme, saying, “Through this workshop, COTA students integrated indigenous Namibian design elements into innovative, contemporary products with strong market appeal. "Along the way, they have also developed essential skills in multi-production techniques, branding, and the creation of functional art.”The initiative forms part of the EU-funded Cultural Relations Platform, which was launched in 2020 to strengthen cultural industries worldwide. In Namibia, the programme has invested over N$1 million into the creative sector, supporting product design, marketing, and international exposure.

COTA students showcase creativity at EU-backed design workshop

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-02

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COTA students showcase creativity at EU-backed design workshop

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-02

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