Still in the echoes of the pandemic and the unprecedented challenge to arts funding it has brought, we are convinced that Arts will be the catalyst to the recovery as well as healing to our communities. Now, more than ever, with grabs, we will be working hand in hand with artists to make Africa the future headquarters of contemporary art. With this in mind, in partnership with The Art Mavericks, we developed a lake of programs aiming to foster creativity by offering a unique opportunity for art teaching that includes theory and hands on experience and provides space for dialogue exchange where the individual's creativity is respected and encouraged. In so doing, developing critical thinking and inspiring a culture of curiosity and imagination as much as possible to promote creative activity, artistic excellency and innovation in all the areas, as well as motivate original thinking, aesthetic, intercultural and educational exchange together with vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
We will work hand in hand with communities to identify art talents that need grooming and offer vocational courses in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed medium, sculpture, digital art courses, to mention a few and we will gradually extend to music, theatre, film and more. Not only we will be offering the courses above mentioned, our art students will become part of our art movement which aims to emphasize the paces of our contemporary art, in other words, together we will be responsible in constructing and deconstructing the whole art making phenomena – We are to make the art making process funnier and louder, constructing and deconstructing art influences (styles and techniques) from the four corners of the world, in particular, revitalizing our heritage – art techniques and influences our ancestors are known for, blending them to our own reality; for we strongly believe that in everything there is something for everyone to enjoy or reasoning.
The art movement is in the other hand an artist community that serves as a support group for artists at all levels of their practices.
It is that time of the century that everything is moving in fast paces, the realities and fantasies are melting together, bruised moments and humans that need to find healing… in all of this, we feel that contemporary art at another level can be impetuously the antidote everyone is looking for. With this in mind, we vow to make more art and with meaning that can even extend beyond the human comprehension. We also want to make sure that everyone affords an original art piece in their homes or working place, as well as our public spaces be filled with art that has meaning.
We strongly believe that as artists we are more influential than what we give ourselves credit for – we are to use that position to impact changes in our communities, subsequently in the entire world.
The classes at Art Explosion Africa Education Program are taught by practicing artists with advanced artistic careers who are recognized nationally and internationally for their work, fluent in English. Guest artists, tutors or other related professionals local and abroad will be invited to share their knowledge in their areas of expertise.
The program and facility provide incomparable support for artists for the creation of art and the development of art businesses. Thus, the candidates are provided with facilities and professional support to build their career and grow their businesses.
Becoming a professional artist requires space, equipment, time and business insight. For most artists, finding affordable studio space is nearly impossible. If an affordable space is found, the task of earning enough money to pay for the space and the most basic living expense is exhausting and diminishes the artists' opportunities for creativity. Furthermore, many artists who graduate from art institutions have not been taught the entrepreneurial and business skills required to establish and maintain sustainable careers in the arts. Unfortunately, without business knowledge, many artists find it impossible to make a decent living as an artist and are either discouraged from making the arts a career or forced to survive on a substandard income.
We intend to accomplish our mission by:
- Creating a culture which promotes creative and professional growth;
- Providing entrepreneurial, industry focused business training and knowledge in the development of art businesses;
- Providing affordable studio facilities and gallery representation.
- Bringing constantly different art professionals who will share their experiences as well as giving insights to assist our artists to achieve their goals in this highly competitive industry.
- Providing professional development and the opportunity for artists to share the expenses of studio space which results in significantly reduced expenses to artists and increases their chances of success.
For a better success in our Education Program, we bring in Artists Incubator and Artist Mentorship sub-programs:
Artist Incubator
Artists Incubator is platform within Art Explosion Africa Education Program that empowers artists in their early stage of development to implement their business and artistic idea. We provide studio space, mentors (professional artists and business owners, local and from abroad), art supplies, exhibiting space and admin services as well as marketing tools.
Artist Mentorship program
The Mentorship Program provide an objective assistance to practicing artists and those who are struggling with gaining confidence, direction, or developing concepts in the work they produce.
Vision
We are of the principle that the practice of art at a professional level can be a solution to the fight against unemployment; promote self-employment thus improving the quality of lives of those practicing, and for this, genuine dedication is needed in the sense of promoting a quality education in the field.
Besides the remuneration, the practice of art can offer psychotherapeutic results such as increasing of self-esteem, resolution of personal or relationship conflicts, general development of personality and more. MISOA encourages everyone to practice artistic activities as a way to preserve or promote mental health.
Mission
We want to improve the way art is seen/perceived and taught by helping the students understand that art can be a career just like any other. Also, one can find financial stability by selling, renting or doing commissioned artworks, as well as being able to earn recognition for the work that one does nationally and internationally.
At Art Explosion Africa Education Program, we aim for excellence and as such, we will do all we can to see the majority of our students at the end of the program attracting art collectors from all parts of the world and their works be featured in group and/or solo exhibitions.