The Otjozondjupa Regional Council's Directorate of Education, Innovation, Sports, Arts and Culture held an official opening for the Multi-Disciplinary Arts and Craft Indaba project in Okahandja.

The workshop will run from 11th to 16th May.

The Multi-Disciplinary Arts and Crafts Indaba Project is a community programme designed to help people develop their artistic skills through workshops and practical training led by experienced artists.

Participants are trained in different art disciplines such as drama, dance, poetry, wirecraft, painting and musical ensembles to help improve their creative skills and talents.

Arts extension officer Norman Job stated that there are limited opportunities for artists to showcase their talents.

"What we always lack in our community is creativity. We have so much raw talent wasting around, lying around, and idling around, and no platform is being created where artists come alive."

The programme also aims to empower participants, encourage creativity, strengthen cultural expression and create opportunities for community engagement through exhibitions, presentations and public performances.

The programme supports the wider goal of using the creative industry to contribute to sustainable development and nation-building.