Hello! Ugandan African crafts from Sheffield

[Dewe]

Hello

Just introducing myself on this forum. I recently spent time volunteering at an arts project called the Dewe School of Art in Uganda and have brought back a range of pieces that are made by people at the project. They make these crafts to sell locally and some artists also use the premises to make more experimental hi-end artworks. I have brought a selection back to the UK to try and help promote the excellent work they do and also raise funds to help keep the project going.

They make a range of crafts from the more regular banana leaf baskets and plates to highly valuable hand made works such as mahogany scupltures and bark cloth lamps.

I have had some success selling products at Sheffield farmer markets but I am really interested in developing something more long term and sustainable.

I'd be interested to find other forum members who want to talk about the following:

• People who are particularly interested in African art and crafts
• People who are interested in hi-end practical artworks (e.g. hand made barkcloth lampshades and bags) which are almost invaluable.
• Anyone who might be interested in visiting the project as a volunteer. You could learn a lot of different craft making skills such as basket making, printing, carving.
• Anyone who would like to collaborate on something africa specific such as a market stall or exhibition.

I am doing everything out of my own pocket so don't have a lot of money to throw around which is why I would like to find people and organisations who may be able to help develop this over a longer period.

[Lilac Moon]

Hi Dewe, I assume you have exhausted the usual avenues, ie, shared earth and fair trade shops etc. Some charities sell this type of thing you could maybe look into those.

[AnnieAnna]

(The Anna me sells handcrafted things from South America www.littlechile.co.uk )
Hi Dewe, you are not alone but seem to have a big problem. If you were historical like my Annie self (www.anniethepedlar.com) you'd have a place to gather with like minded people. We have a forums and portals and dedicated craft fairs. I have watched them grow from nothing and have had a hand in setting up a couple. They all need people to get together and have bright ideas. 'We' started before the Web with but didn't know what the 'others' were doing. Now with e-connecting we're on a roll. It's not the same person doing everything. Each individual has their own drive and s p e c i a l i s t interests, but we've e-joined up.

There are others out there doing what you are doing. I really think you should be joined up somehow. I have searched online but can find no African craft hub.
Others I have met include:
a girl on this forum I've chatted to recently. I had a stall at a craft fair next to a lady who worked at the BBC who travelled back and forth to a women's refuge project and there is a collection of African crafters who have got organised locally, in London, that I met at a Brazilian Festival.
If you had been historical I would have quickly found you everyone's email addy and left you to connect. Unfortunately the BBC lady and the London ladies gave me flyers. Business cards I usually keep, flyers kick around then get recycled.
I'll have a dig around and see if I can turn anything up.
Meanwhile let me plant the seed of an idea in your head. Why not create an e-hub?

[AnnieAnna]

Love this e- stuff. Got the girl I was chatting to. It's Nic and she's here http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/showthr...ll-for-charity!

[AnnieAnna]

Ah ha! I got my London ladies and forgot about a fair raising money for an African charity.

The fair organiser is Claire from www.angels-charity.org

The London lady is Ola Mustapha
www.kiskirineevents.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.barking-dagenham.gov.uk
www.africanshowcasemarket.com (An award winning event)