This course was lead by OCAD U faculty member Ian Keteku.
In this writing and performance intensive course, students from a range of backgrounds and artistic mediums explored themes such as: artivism (activism + art), oral literary traditions, sustainability and art utilitarianism. Students engaged in research and development of literary pieces which utilized skills, techniques, and best practices from a series of workshops, lectures and in person engagements.
The course also involved an experiential learning experience and travel to Ghana West Africa where students participated in guest lectures, performance opportunities and exhibition opportunities at the Chale Wote (arts) Festival.
Students were encouraged to expand upon their current research interests by exploring Afrocentric approaches to art creation. They were encouraged to decolonize their practice through skill sharing, cultural knowledge exchanges, and the application of social justice artistic works. Students researched the impact their work has on communities around them, as well as the global community. They explored the functionality of their voice, the utilitarian aspect of their works and deconstruct the limitations and obstacles preventing artists from disseminating their works globally. Students researched and investigated the GRIOT traditions of spoken word, and other forms of language-based expressions throughout the course.
Please find the documentation of this trip captured and edited by Faculty member Ian Keteku HERE.