Monika Amunyela
Creatives from the College of the Arts (COTA) reimagined heritage for the future in a European Union-supported innovation competition.
Over 30 students from the COTA showcased their artwork at the Namibian Design Innovation Competition Workshop, which took place recently at the Katutura Community Art Centre.
The two-week programme challenged participants to reinterpret Namibia’s rich indigenous design traditions for contemporary markets while also creating a logo symbolising the EU-Namibia partnership.
The programme was held under the theme ‘Rooted in Tradition, Ready for Tomorrow’.
Students created textile patterns, tote bags and logos that blend cultural heritage with modern aesthetics.
With instructions from COTA lecturers and the Omba Arts Trust, they created original designs rooted in Namibian identity.
The top awards went to Salom Shivute for a Bag Design, Rui B. Steenkamp for Textile Design and Tuhafeny Shiyukifeni for a Logo Design.
Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Jennely Matundu, who was in attendance at the closing ceremony, applauded the initiative for strengthening youth skills and growing Namibia’s creative industries in line with national priorities.
She praised the initiative for strengthening youth skills and growing Namibia’s creative industries in line with national priorities.
She thanked the EU and COTA for their commitment to uplifting local youth, art and design.
EU Ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins highlighted the culture’s role in innovation and sustainability.
“Culture is not only about safeguarding traditions, but also about innovation, jobs and sustainable development. You have created designs that reflect Namibia’s identity and potential. That is no small achievement,” she said.
Workshop coordinator Ndasuunye ‘Papa’ Shikongeni described how traditional Namibian art forms inspired students.
“The focus was on transforming traditional indigenous patterns inspired by basketry, pottery, woodcarving and the timeless rock art of our people across the regions,” he noted.
Through the workshop, the students were able to integrate indigenous Namibian design elements into innovative, contemporary products with strong market appeal.
COTA will introduce a new module that combines craft, design and entrepreneurship to ensure that all students, including those yet to come, can benefit from the workshop.
The initiative is part of the EU-funded Cultural Relations Platform, which has invested over N$1 million in the country’s creative sector.