Mak@100 Celebrations; The MTSIFA painting challenge

MTSIFA students with their teachers headed by Prof. Francis Xavier Ifee unveiled the painting on 28th September 2022 at Makerere Art Gallery also known as the Institute of Heritage Conservation and Restoration.

The Margaret School of Industrial and Fine Arts, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) in partnership with the Confucius Institute, Makerere University   celebrated the Mak@100 in a unique style with messages packaged in a seven-meter flower painting using acrylic on paper.

MTSIFA students with their teachers headed by Prof. Francis Xavier Ifee unveiled the painting yesterday Tuesday 28th September 2022 at Makerere Art Gallery also known as the Institute of Heritage Conservation and Restoration.

Dr. Venny Nakazibwe, Deputy Principal CEDAT was at the event where students unveiled their work that exposed their artistic styles and prowess when, despite having undertaken the task in two days, they came up with the thrilling piece of work.

Dr. Venny Nakazibwe, Deputy Principal CEDAT on the left while appreciating the work done.  

‘The Confucius Institute and the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology came together to work on an artistic challenge, that pulled together staff and students to work on something very special” said Dr. Venny Nakazibwe while appreciating the work done.  

She said the work partly done at Makerere University will be joined with work done at Xiatang University in China and the blend will be one way of commemorating not only one hundred years of Makerere University but also Sixty years of diplomatic relationships between Uganda and China.

She said the relationships between the two nations was getting more strengthened with the teaching of Chinese language here at Makerere University and urged all to embrace the opportunity as long as it lasts. ‘Start learning some simple Chinese to be able to greet and relate with each other, do events together and enjoy the beauty of art. Look at the artistic development to get to know its philosophy’, said Dr. Nakazibwe while addressing the students that took part in the challenge.

The Chinese Director Confucius Institute at Makerere University Xia Zhuoqiong extended the center’s appreciation to the college for the tremendous support rendered in actualizing the concept.  She specifically pointed out Prof. Ifee Francis Xavier for the tireless effort that led the activity to fruition in such a short time.

The Chinese Director Confucius Institute at Makerere University Xia Zhuoqiong while talking to Dr. Venny Nakazibwe, Deputy Principal CEDAT

The Director who was accompanied by a team of Lecturers from the Confucius Institute said the Institute was established in 2014 as a joint venture between Makerere University and Xiatang University in China.  She said the center spearheaded the painting activity as one way of strengthening the diplomatic relationships between Uganda and China. ‘It’s important to us. We can’t celebrate without doing a thing” she said adding that there were already existing relationships between CEDAT and Xiatang University through staff and student exchanges.  She said in future, efforts will be intensified in order to have joint exhibitions and research in fine art and other fields.

Prof. Ifee Francis Xavier extended his appreciation to the students for taking part in the event. He noted that with him was a team of talented and creative young artists who were able to undertake the painting in two days. ‘The work which you have attempted was part of International Creative Challenge. You have contributed to the celebrations of Mak@100 through your work” said Prof. Ifee.  He commended the Director of the Confucius Institute for granting them the opportunity through the painting imitative which further cemented the relationship between the Institute, MTSIFA and CEDAT as a whole.