Ugandan Minister of Gender and Labour, Betty Amongi, has initiated discussions for a cultural partnership between Ugandan universities and the Design Campus of the Dresden Museum of Decorative Arts in Germany. This collaborative effort aims to explore opportunities for exchange programs between the Dresden University of Fine Arts and Ugandan universities, with a commitment to identify specific areas of cooperation in art, culture, social development, and tourism.
During her visit to Dresden, Germany, Amongi made this request while presiding over the opening ceremony of the 2023 Congress of the International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists (IAPMA), at the invitation of IAPMA President Franziska Leischker, also known as Fides Linien.
Minister Amongi emphasized the significance of art and cultural heritage in fostering international understanding and cooperation among people across the globe. She was joined at the event by Professor Oliver Kossack, the head of the Dresden University’s Fine Art department.
As a result of her visit, Amongi secured four annual slots for Ugandan art students to attend the Summer School of the Dresden Museum of Decorative Arts. This institution, founded in 1876, is affiliated with Dresden’s decorative arts college.
The IAPMA, a global organization for paper artists, boasts 652 members from 56 countries. Amongi praised their ability to use their art to inspire positive change and passion for making a difference in the world.
The minister commended the more than 80 artworks on display at the international art exhibition from over 30 countries for their high quality and unforgettable impression.
Furthermore, the two nations have agreed to strengthen cooperation between institutions in Saxony, Germany, and Ugandan institutions related to art, culture, and tourism.
Franziska Leischker, also the director of The Xsabo Foundation, expressed hope that the artworks displayed at the exhibition would inspire and touch the hearts of all visitors, regardless of their backgrounds or professions.
Thomas A. Geisler, the Director of the Museum of Decorative Arts, welcomed Minister Amongi to “PAPER ALIVE!”—the international art exhibition that marked the opening of the IAPMA Congress. He introduced the Design Campus at the 300-year-old Pillnitz Palace as an interdisciplinary international research and development art platform. This campus addresses contemporary global challenges, such as climate change, migration, globalization, and digitalization, and it has expressed its willingness to host Ugandan students annually.