By Frederick Philander
WINDHOEK
The visual and performing art departments at the University of Namibia are to amalgamate as from this year as part of a restructuring and rationalisation programme, Art/Life has reliably learned.
The new combined creative section will be known as the Visual and Performing Arts Department and will be headed by professor Herklaas Viljoen, who on inquiry confirmed the changes.
This decision to combine the two departments was taken last year and is to be implemented next month when Unam officially starts this year’s academic year.
Previously the two departments operated as separate entities.
“Logically speaking the two creative entities should be operating as one due to the many creative similarities both are involved with.
I see this new development as a very challenging time for the new department to ignite fresh ideas and dialogue for creative development’s sake. Creativity will gain through this wise move,” said professor Viljoen in a telephone interview.
The former Performing Arts department in particular suffered a number of staff losses through death and retirements of theatre lecturers the late Danie Strydom and retired professor Aldo Behrens over recent years.