Desley Hitiraukunga, one of the 36 recipients of the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) bursary, said he had been granted a lifetime opportunity to improve his knowledge as a graphic designer and upscale his contribution to the Namibian creative industry.
The 35-year-old said being selected by the Council to advance his skills with an International Adobe Certification is an honour he will treasure.
“The focus on developing the local creative industry has been growing interest from various sectors of Namibian society over the years. I am honoured to play my part in this journey. This certification will reignite my adherence and observation of industry-accepted and trade-specific standards for the Namibian creativity and innovation landscape,” he said with eagerness and excitement.
Hitiraukunga holds a Diploma in New Media Design from the College of the Arts.
He has a decade of experience in the fields of editorial and layout design.
“Because of this, I am always eager to equip my skills-set with the latest developments of this trade,” he revealed.
He said the certification would enhance his skills, and expose him intensively to the necessary and newest tools in the industry like Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.
It will afford him an edge just above his competitors.
“This certification offers a chance not only for personal growth, but equally for improved industry relations among graphic designers. It creates a trainer-trainee continued cooperation. It will be a lasting mentorship case study for aspiring minds, most especially from marginalised communities,” he added.
The NACN’s unwavering and unmatched support to the creative industry remains the heartbeat of developing local talent, and setting standards for competitiveness locally and internationally.
Hitiraukunga said this is indicative of the reality that when people collaborate, there is much to achieve.
It uplifts individuals from poverty and hopelessness.
The NACN announced the bursary application results for the 2024 process, reaffirming its commitment to supporting students in their educational journey across Namibia and beyond.
Gretta Gaspar, the administrator at NACN, indicated that a total of 36 successful applicants who applied for the NACN Bursary Fund have been approved for funding to pursue studies and training in the cultural and creative fields out of the total number of 116.
The bursary is valued at N$1 526 032.
The approved bursaries will cover identified areas necessary for the development of the cultural and creative industries.
These include Game Design, New Media Design, Digital Art, Curatorship, Architecture, Graphic Design, Jewellery-Making, Arts/Cultural Policy and Management, Arts/Cultural Journalism, Arts Research, Arts Education (Visual Arts and Performing Arts), and Organology.
“Thirty-six awardees will study at various Namibian institutions, three in South Africa, and one at the Rome Business School (online). As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to enhancing opportunities for education and personal development. The commitment to building a well-educated and skilled Namibian workforce aligns with the national vision for sustainable development and growth,” Gaspar said.
Some notable courses that will be pursued by the bursars include a Master of Arts in Performing Arts (Ethnomusicology), a Doctorate in Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage, a PhD in Performing Arts, and an International master’s in Arts and Culture management.
– psiririka@nepc.com.na