Project Maine in the Arts

~Promoting an Art of Development~

Today our societies are divided into economic hierarchies and social stratas. Thoughts move from one level of a community to another and so on. There is only one thing that carries thought, that is art, be it literature, song, dance or film. Through music, dance and other art forms, we are traveling through various levels of society. Bwaca recognizes the importance of working with local communities as a way of developing the arts and international understanding.

It is a common phenomenon that young people in the West often have misconceptions about Africa. Questions such as, " Do you have an elephant for a pet, or do you live on trees?," are certainly an illusion created by the media. Africa is often seen at the mercy of hunger, famine, floods and wars. On the other hand Africa is seen as a gamepark for wild life and massive environmental problems. Although these exist, there is need to understand that this is but a portion of the difficulties that exist globally.

The Maine project aim is to involve local high school youths in learning about various cultures that exist in Africa, especially Southern Africa. We believe that the shared knowledge of the arts of different cultures can support the development of individual potentials, can promote local and international understanding and encourage positive social cohesion. This aim shall carried out through teaching African and Zimbabwean modern and traditional dances, drum playing, and songs. We shall explore the oral history and the basic day to day life issues facing both young and old people through these art forms.

Dances learned by the participants shall be presented to the local community and places such as care centers. Project Maine shall be run by local people, some of whom have been to Africa and a group of students from the College of the Atlantic among which is the director of Bwaca.