World Heritage in Young Hands Visual Arts Workshop (2005)
Durban, South Africa, 12-14 July 2005
Objectives
In parallel with the 29th World Heritage Committee meeting in Durban a visual arts workshop for young people was held.
The objective was to translate the children's perspective on heritage sites into visual arts.
Report
The Youth Forum consisted of a general introduction and reflection on World Heritage and of two workshops. The importance of understanding heritage sites and the role they play in preserving our humanity was integral importance during the project.
The first two days of the Forum focused on the concept and importance of World Heritage and the students were introduced to the "theoretical" components of this global initiative.
The rest of the Forum was held in two different workshops. On the one hand the students got known with the visual arts and on the other hand the participants learned drumming.
As a final part of the workshops, the students were expected to present their works on the last day of the 29th World Heritage Committee session to its members. The drummers provided a background beat for the other students who brought a canvas presenting the Drakensberg Mountains they had painted during the workshop, into the conference hall.
Organizers
The Bat Centre Trust (45 Maritime Place, Small Craft Harbour, Durban, 4001, P.O Box 6064, Durban, 4000 Tel: +27 31 332 0451 Fax: +27 31 332 2213)
Participants
Students in Grades 9, 10 and 11.
Facilitators
Mr. Guy Redman, the Director of the natural Science Museum (Durban); Mr. Lungelo Gumede, painter; Mr. Richard Ellis, musician (percussionist)
Sponsors
The National Department of Arts and Culture (South Africa);
UNESCO
South Africa