Academics and professionals participating in CAPHE research conducted workshops during their Kenyan mobilities, lending a European perspective to students and community groups. Researchers shared their expertise and experiences across a range of artistic and practical endeavours on the campus of host Kenyatta University, as well as elsewhere in Nairobi.
With performance in virtual and augmented reality a focus, musicians and theorists from Italy worked with students as they prepared for performances both at the University’s International Language and Culture Centre and at points around the Kenyan capital. Participants included the Opera Network Firenze’s Carla Zanin, Andrea Bareggi and Leonardo De Lisi, as well as Federico Bardazzi, Alessandra Montali and Andrea Nicoli from Conservatorio Puccini La Spezia.
Working with Kenyan counterpart Prof. Elijah Adongo, who conducts the University chorus, De Lisi and Montali offered a masterclass in voice for students. Meanwhile, Bardazzi. Bareggi and Nicoi teamed with Nairobi’s Ghetto Classics to conduct a series of workshops in strings. choral and dance ahead of performance in the city’s Korogocho slum. They even had time for a bit of football.
Artists and educators from the FBAUL Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa availed themselves of the studio and kiln facilities on the University campus. Institutional lead Prof. Helena Elias led the workshop on 360 design FBAUL’s Monica Mendes demonstrated methods for workflow documentation.
FBAUL researchers also conducted workshops that featured the application of advanced technologies in educational settings. Thiago Mindrico speculated with students on the design aspects of user experience, whilst Jose Revez offered a window on tools for digital design in sculpture.
Architects from Miastopracownia also provided early-stage instruction in Naiobi’s informal settlement of Mukuru. Working with members of Wajukuu Arts community group, the team engaged with children in model-making for playground design.