COTA students blend tradition and modern design

Culture fuels both innovation and jobs
Young creatives from the College of the Arts recently showed off their talent at the Namibian Design Innovation Competition Workshop, which pushed students to rethink Namibia's traditional designs and give them a fresh, modern twist.
  • 7 Hours Ago - 2025-08-29 10:16:00
Young creatives from the College of the Arts (COTA) recently showed off their talent at the Namibian Design Innovation Competition Workshop, which wrapped up with an award ceremony at the Katutura Community Art Centre last week.
Backed by the European Union, the two-week workshop pushed students to rethink Namibia’s traditional designs and give them a fresh, modern twist.
They also had to come up with a logo symbolising the EU-Namibia Partnership.
More than 30 students took part under the theme 'Rooted in Tradition, Ready for Tomorrow'.
With guidance from COTA lecturers and Omba Arts Trust, they produced stylish tote bags, eye-catching textile patterns and a creative logo blending local culture with modern design.
Top honours went to Salom Shivute (bag design), Rui Steenkamp (textile design) and Tuhafeny Shiyukifeni (logo design).
Fuelling innovation and jobs
Deputy international relations and trade minister Jennely Matundu praised the initiative for building skills and boosting Namibia’s creative industries, while EU Ambassador Ana Beatriz Martins applauded the students’ work for showing how culture can fuel both innovation and jobs.
Workshop coordinator Papa Shikongeni explained that many designs were inspired by traditional basketry, pottery, woodcarving and rock art, reimagined into practical items like bags. “Students not only created beautiful products but also learnt key skills in branding, production and functional art,” he said.
The workshop also gave participants a taste of real-world design challenges and career pathways. Looking ahead, COTA plans to add a training module that combines craft, design and entrepreneurship, ensuring future students keep pushing the boundaries of Namibian creativity.