Feedback on Durban Institute of Technology (DUT) Work Integrated Learning Module 2008
The DUT Fine Art Department recently initiated a programme called the Work Integrated Learning Module. The programme sees final year Fine Art students being interviewed for positions at art-related organisations, including retail outlets, art galleries etc. The students spend time there, and the experience is aimed at getting them to think of their Fine Art skills in a work-related context, and to get some experience at applying these.
The Umcebo Trust is a non-profit art and craft trust, based at uShaka Marine World. The Trust runs an integrated retail and workshop art and craft enterprise, which specialises in small ranges of work, as well as commissions. It aims to challenge some of the traditional boundaries and ideas on art and craft, and what can be accomplished in this field. Tony Starkey and the staff at the DUT Fine Art Department last year included the Trust in this module.
In 2008 four final year students conceptualised, manufactured and retailed a unique chandelier, which involved recycled materials, and which was at the same time, 'high end' design. The collaboration was hugely beneficial for the Trust, and the students sold their work. Some of these students are now set to return in early January to work on new collaborative pieces, which will be shown on the Trust's stand at the Design Indaba. In addition from May 25 - June 19, a new crop of students from the 2009 Work Integrated Learning Module Programme will begin work with the Trust.
