Faculty-Led | Arts
Overview
The arts have been vital in shaping responses to problems the world over and South Africa is no exception; its diversity and distinctive social and political history has led to the development of a unique brand of artistic responses. This program allows students to engage closely with these responses. Working with both local artists and academics specializing in various disciplines, students will gain first-hand knowledge of the transformative and connective capacity of the arts.
Why South Africa?
South Africa is a land of incredible beauty and contains breathtaking landscapes that range from the lush forests of the Garden Route to the desolate Karoo semi-desert. This “world-in-one-country” diversity is reflected in the people of South Africa with its eleven national languages and startling array of different cultures, customs and religions. This incredible diversity has to led to a vibrant arts culture that makes South Africa the perfect location to host students. For example, the city of Johannesburg has endeavored to become one of the largest outdoor art galleries in the world with its active sponsoring of graffiti art works while the City of Cape Town hosts the fabulous Zeitz Mocca Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this program, students should be able to:
- Present on how can art can serve as tool of transformation
- Think critically on art as a practice
- Apply theoretical knowledge of art as a tool of transformation to a practical service learning program
- Discuss the key features of artistic expression in South Africa
- Demonstrate increased cross-cultural responsiveness
Note: Specific learning outcomes and activities can be constructed in collaboration with EDU Africa’s dedicated curriculum development team.
Contributors
Jennifer Eaves
Jennifer Eaves is an established folk artist hailing from Cape Town. With a degree in classical music and a passion for the truth, this modern troubadour has enthralled audiences across the country. Compared to artists such as Glen Hansard and Joan Baez, Jennifer’s powerful voice, thought provoking lyrics and dynamic guitar playing make her an act to savour.
As a storyteller, Jennifer is constantly seeking to push the edges of her creativity. She performs as a solo artist and as part of the stunning Jenny and the James’s trio, which incorporates traditional folk and bluegrass together with Jennifer’s solo material.
Jill Trappler
Jill Trappler has worked as an artist and craft person in various projects over the past thirty years. These include Thupelo, Greatmore Street (she is a founder member of both) and Bag Factory studios (she was a Board member of all three). Jill has also served on the board of the Ava Gallery and the NAC.
The Butterfly Art Project
The Butterfly Art project is a non-profit Art Centre that rehabilitates, inspires and heals individuals from the Vrygrond community. The Butterfly Art Project is a group of caring artists, community art facilitators and art teachers who want to see children thrive in South Africa. The Butterfly Art Project has three amazing programs: Training to adults, Mentoring of trainees, and creating a Art Support network of artists to cultivate an art healing and conscious South Africa.
The Butterfly Art Project also offers two projects; an our after school program and Super Hero Puppet workshop.
SLiP
The Stellenbosch Literary Project (SLiP), was set up as a media and events platform to fast-track issues in South African literature and culture. The project is rooted in the Department of English at Stellenbosch University and has gradually built up public literary-cultural platforms, both in the digital and analogue spheres. These platforms are an essential tool for writers and performers that work at the creative edges of an emerging democracy. SLiP creates much-needed discursive platforms where creative literary practices can be shared and engaged with.
Customize Your Program
Our friendly and experienced team will work closely with you to develop your custom faculty-led program from conceptualization to execution. We believe every journey to Africa gives students the opportunity to learn and transform and we pride ourselves in our ability to create unique, sustainable and truly African transformative learning journeys.
Featured Experiences
Dinner and Djembe Drumming
Gold Restaurant is an experience of the opulent heartbeat of African cuisine and culture. Tailoring its menu to the diversity found across the African continent, Gold Restaurant offers a gourmet selection seasonally adapted from Northern, Sub-Saharan, and Southern Africa. Guests will have the opportunity to join in a djembe drumming session. Feel the pulse of Africa as you drum and dine.
Cape Point
As the most southwestern outcrop of the African continent, Cape Point rises above the cobalt and turquoise-blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. With the sound of the sea rushing below you, climb up to the lighthouse for a view of misty mountains in the distance at one of Cape Town’s most scenic and significant vantage points.
Cape Malay Cooking Class
Jasmina’s house is part of the colorful and immensely cultural tapestry that is found in the Bo Kaap district of Cape Town. The Malayan cuisine that she imparts is also a part of the rich heritage of the area, seasoned with distinct spices, and created from recipes that have been handed down many generations. You can learn how to make a mouth-watering Malayan meal in the warmth of her kitchen, from traditional samosa starters to rich chicken curry. Afterward, you can enjoy the living dish of history you helped to spice.
Robben Island Overnight
Step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela for a night by staying in prison accommodation, along with a private tour of the prison and island. Get a feel of the isolation and challenges that the prisoners faced for decades in one of the world's most famous prisons on Robben Island. This is a unique experience that will bring you closer to understanding the challenges that Mandela and many other historical figures faced in their fight for freedom and equality.
Monks Cowl Drakensberg Hike
Located in the Kwazulu Natal province of South Africa, the trails of Monks Cowl showcase the incredible scenery of Drakensberg in the midst of mountains and valleys. Experience the beauty of South Africa as you explore these picturesque landscapes.
Chokka Trail
Hiking the Chokka trail is a 14-kilometer adventure, taking you through the Coastal Cradle of Humankind. During the hike, you will have an opportunity to see the second-largest blowhole in Southern Africa and the remains of the Osprey and Cape Recife. After the hike, there is an included tour of the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Center. Continuing via Shark Point, there is calamari tasting at Port St. Francis, then a canal cruise in the late afternoon. The day ends with dinner at Joe Fish Restaurant or a local boma for braai.
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of Apartheid. The museum is a superb example of design, space, and landscape. It offers the international community a unique South African experience. A series of 22 individual exhibition areas takes the visitor through a dramatic emotional journey that tells the story of a state-sanctioned system based on racial discrimination and the struggle of the majority to overthrow this tyranny. The exhibits include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels, and artifacts illustrating the events and human stories that contribute to the saga of Apartheid.
Pilanesberg Safari
Pilanesberg National Park is set within the crater of an ancient volcano, formed 1.2 billion years ago by overflowing magma. It exists in a transition zone between the dryness of the Kalahari and the wet vegetation of the Lowveld region. This rich transitional zone attracts an incredible variety of game animals, flora, and fauna that are not often found living side by side. Virtually all of the animal species native to southern Africa can be found here, including the “big five", wild dog, roan, tsessebe, sable antelope, and more than 360 bird species.
AWOL Bicycle Tour
This international, award-winning, socially responsible bicycle tour in Masiphumelele, Kommetjie is a new take on township tours, providing guests the opportunity to meet and interact with the local community from a bicycle seat. A qualified local guide will escort guests around the township, visiting interesting places and explaining Xhosa customs. The tour includes lunch at a local township restaurant that serves delicious authentic African food.
Boulders Beach
Step through the entryway to this beach and find yourself face to face with one of Africa’s quirkier inhabitants - penguins. A colony of African penguins resides on Boulders Beach - a stretch of sand dominated by giant seaside rocks and penguin nests.
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
This tour winds its way through jewel-toned houses and mosques, providing commentary on the history and tradition behind the iconic architecture of the Bo-Kaap district. As you follow your guide through this segment of Cape Town, we invite you to explore a side of South African history defined by cultural fusion and crossover. Watch tradition unfold into a modern landscape of vibrancy as East meets West at the southern point of Africa.
Soweto Tour
The Soweto Day Tour takes in the highlights of this iconic township including Nelson Mandela’s former home and the Hector Pieterson Museum. You will get close to Soweto Culture, meet the people, try local foods, and maybe even some Omqombothi (traditional beer) at a shebeen. This tour is one of a kind. It takes you through the smell of pavement-cooked meals and the buzz of people going about their daily chores in the streets. Come and experience the humanity, hospitality, and warmth of township life - the "ubuntu" of South Africa.
Abseiling Table Mountain
Abseiling is one of the best ways to explore the rocky crags of Table Mountain. This thrilling activity includes a relatively technical hike, so a moderate fitness level is required to experience this adventure!
Table Mountain
Find out why Table Mountain is one of the seven natural wonders of the world as you climb to the top. The mountain stretches gloriously on the Cape Town horizon, rising effortlessly from the lights and bustle of the city. As you ascend, the rugged terrain becomes a world in and of itself, with age-old rocks, grasses, and shrubs covering the mountainside. The top of Table Mountain provides astounding views of the city on one side and the sea on the other, with rolling clouds over rocky peaks. A cable car provides a scenic descent, suspended gracefully over jagged rock and the famous flora of the mountain.
Moholoholo Rehabilitation Center
This center provides a sanctuary for many wild animals such as leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, and vultures that are the victims of habitat loss. While Moholoholo is directly involved in research, breeding programs, and rehabilitation, it also helps tribal communities and farms by adopting and relocating 'problem animals’ that would otherwise be poisoned or injured if left at the mercy of people. The aim of this rehabilitation facility is to promote awareness about environmental upheaval and to support endangered wildlife.
Class in the Clouds
Did you know that Table Mountain is believed to have more plant diversity than the British Isles put together? Class in the Clouds gives learners the chance to learn all about the amazing fauna and flora found in the Cape Floral Kingdom while enjoying the view from the top of Table Mountain.
Induna Adventures
Induna offers a wide variety of adrenaline-racing activities such as white water rafting, ziplining, and quad biking. Only twenty minutes away from Kruger National Park, Induna’s pristine location provides an unforgettable setting for adventure sports and outdoor team activities.