Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

Ibrahim Mahama engages with future artists during UFS visit

14 May 2024 | Story ANTHONY MTHEMBU | Photo Supplied

Ghanaian contemporary artist, Ibrahim Mahama, visited the Department of Fine Arts at the University of the Free State (UFS) to share insights with staff and students during his stay in the country.

Dr Adelheid Von Maltitz, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts at the UFS, highlighted the significance of Mahama’s visit which took place from 21 to 28 March 2024, marking the first instance of such interaction between a Fine Arts department in South Africa and Mahama. She remarked, “It is truly astounding that a person of his calibre dedicated time to focus on our department, and I believe this has catalysed a positive shift within our department.”

Mahama’s impactful presence at UFS

Dr Von Maltitz emphasised that Mahama’s visit aimed to offer staff and students a glimpse into his artistic process and mindset. During his time at the UFS, Mahama, who was virtually overseeing his latest recent large-scale artwork titled Purple Hibiscus, which involved wrapping the Barbican Centre in London, engaged extensively with staff and students from the department about their research. He shared insights into his creative journey, presented select works, and conducted critique sessions with fourth year and postgraduate students, among other activities. Dr Von Maltitz believes this interaction, particularly with students, has significantly bolstered their confidence as aspiring artists, preparing them for professional endeavours.

Broader implications and future prospects

Mahama’s visit not only energised the department’s academic environment but also holds broader implications. Dr Von Maltitz asserted that it will solidify the department’s identity nationally and create avenues for students to pursue residencies in countries like Ghana. Therefore, maintaining a fruitful relationship with Mahama remains a priority for the department.

Reflecting on the visit Dr Von Maltitz concluded, ‘’the key takeaway, especially for the students, was witnessing the potential of their works within the broader South African and international contexts. “

News Archive

Prof André Keet elected to Council on Higher Education and as Social Cohesion Advocate for Department of Arts and Culture

2015-06-17

Earlier this year, the Minister of Higher Education and Training,Dr Blade Nzimande, appointed Prof André Keet from the UFS’s Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice to the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Given his focus on higher education studies and transformation, Prof Keet said he is looking forward to serving on this council.

Functions of CHE

“One of the main functions of the CHE,” Prof Keet said, “is to advise the Minister of Higher Education and Training on all aspects of higher education policy.” Other vital functions include the development and implementation of a quality assurance system specifically for higher education as well as to monitor and report on the state of higher education in general. The CHE also engages closely with key national issues and international trends to ensure the continual development of our higher education system.

Social cohesion advocate and additional appointments

In addition, Prof Keet has been appointed recently as a Social Cohesion Advocate linked to the work of the Department of Arts and Culture’s social cohesion programme, which advises the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa. Prof Keet also serves on the Ministerial Oversight Committee for the Transformation of Higher Education in South Africa, and Higher Education South Africa’s (HESA) transformation structures.

“These appointments serve the interests of the University of the Free State, and affirm the great work being done at the university. I’m simply part of a collective effort at the university, and salute the students and staff members who work tirelessly on the Academic and Human Projects of UFS,” Prof Keet said.

Dr Nzimande has announced recently that a second Higher Education Summit, following the one in 2010, will be convened from 15 – 17 October 2015.

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept