Tough. Resilient. Firm. These are the words that come to mind when you hear the word “Imara”, a Swahili word associated with strength and durability. The Imara Student Exhibition which took place at the ADMI Caxton Campus was a befitting name to describe the students’ resilience, most of whom began and completed their studies during the 2020 pandemic.
Marked by frequent stay-at-home directives, curfews and disruptions in learning the pandemic 2020 posed challenges to students and faculty all over the world. ADMI students and their faculty quickly adopted online and blended learning. They demonstrated great courage and pliability from beginning to end.
The yearly student exhibition showcases student skills and creativity in the various diploma programmes from graphic design to animation & motion graphics, film & TV production, music production and sound engineering.
The range of projects and quality of creative execution on display pointed to the training and support they received from their faculty. It was also a testament to every student who strived to define and refine their creative approach and personal visual style.
The Imara Student Exhibition was particularly special, being the first physical student showcase ADMI has had since 2020. It was open to creatives, students, employers, companies, organizations, and industry partners.
Brian Omolo, graphic design faculty and project manager of the exhibition took to welcoming everyone to the Imara Student Exhibition, paving the way for interactions between the students and the attendees.
Through digital media, the Imara Student Exhibition displayed diversity in the world of design, art, culture and heritage. Creatives had an opportunity to communicate and express their ideas through different art forms. Guests were treated to an ensemble of musical performances, games, movies, and animations that gave them a peek into the artist’s creative process.
Shawna Kyalo, Faith Nyota, Felix Owaga and Vincent Njoroge had a brief session where they shared their class and creative experiences with the audience. They took the audience through their projects’ highs and lows, creative process, personal growth and blooming artistry.
Shawna Kyalo’s striking illustration featured catchphrases enveloped in the map of Kenya. You will find these sayings in Kenyan banter and they act as a unifying factor for people from all walks of life.
Shawna, graphic designer, hand letterer, and illustrator, brands and designs art pieces for her company, Nduleve. She enjoys creating patterns and unique artworks with handwritten typography to spread hope, and inspire.
Abel Kuloba, an illustrator, created an illustration of the ADMI Principal, Peter Wairagu to appreciate him for his diligence and commitment to serving the ADMI community. He views art as life and believes it’s the perfect avenue for expression and joy.
As a creative media and technology training institution, ADMI hosts events such as the Imara Student Exhibition to prepare students for the industry. They provide students with the opportunity to network with prospective clients and get more familiar with the industry.
The future of work is now geared towards the creative industry and demand for creative professionals continues to rise. With the influence and reach of African artists and creatives, the continent’s creative sector is gaining momentum and interest. Research by Nazarbayev University shows that 547, 500 jobs are created in the African creative industry which in turn generates about US$4.2 billion.
Africa’s creative industry is projected to be on the verge of being one of the main factors that steer sustainable development and economic expansion in the continent. The creative economy is uniquely deployed to move forward with steady development, whilst other economic industries are lagging.
ADMI believes that the digital revolution presents Africa’s youth with a unique opportunity to take part in the global economy. By merging media, technology, and business, Africans can create and distribute high-quality content for the global market in new ways.
The world is gradually embracing creative careers and providing opportunities for people who pursue non-traditional careers, making this an opportune time for anyone keen on learning how to monetize passion and art.
Interested in joining the creative industry? ADMI gives Africa’s creatives the training, mentorship and platform they need to turn their passion into a profession. By joining the ADMI community, you enjoy an unparalleled international education benchmarking operations and pedagogy against global standards.
