What can we learn from history about (the fight for) democracy, culture, education and the arts? Welcome to an open seminar on stories told and yet not told.

Rorke’s Drift and Konstfack – Stories told and yet not told

An open all-day seminar at Konstfack, 18 April, 9 am to 5 pm

The Department of Visual Arts and Sloyd Education at Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design is happy to invite you to this seminar with a starting point in the shared history that Sweden and South Africa have, connected to the Evangelical Lutheran Church's (ELC) Arts and Craft Center in Rorke's Drift. Today, 55 years since its start, some of this history is known, but still very few know about the impact ELC Arts and Craft Center has had on the South African art scene, being the first that allowed black South Africans to train as artists. Equally few know that it was a young Swedish art teacher trained at Konstfack, Peder Gowenius and his wife Ulla Gowenius, textile artist also from Konstfack, who started the Center in 1963.

What can we learn from history about (the fight for) democracy, culture, education and the arts? South African filmmaker Cedric Nunn will show his recent documentary about Rorke's Drift, and Konstfack teacher Viktoria Kindstrand presents, together with Peder Gowenius, their film where Gowenius tells his story about both struggle and success with the ELC Arts and Craft Center. These screenings will frame a wider discussion about bilateral collaboration, the need for more research, projects and artistic exchange.

The seminar is free and open to all interested. In collaboration with Iaspis and the Swedish Embassy in Pretoria.

Please click for a detailed programme.

Welcome to Konstfack, LM Ericssons väg 14, subway station Telefonplan