UEW and Leibniz University Hannover Commence “New Images of Us” Project
In a bid to redefine the boundaries of theatre as a medium for cultural exchange and social dialogue, the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), and Leibniz University, Hannover, Germany, have joined forces to launch the innovative project dubbed "New Images of Us".
The core objective of this groundbreaking initiative is to enrich the understanding of theatre arts among students by exploring it as a platform for transcultural encounters. Departing from conventional approaches, the project champions a philosophy of mutual learning and unlearning, where both institutions strive to shed preconceived notions and embark on a journey of exploration and collaboration.
The project kicked off with a pivotal meeting on Tuesday, 5th March 2024, as faculty members from UEW's School of Creative Arts (SCA) and Centre for International Programmes (CIP), alongside the delegation from Hannover, convened at the Council Chamber, North Campus, UEW. The gathering served as an official introduction and a platform for mutual understanding.
In his welcoming address, Prof. Victor Antwi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW, extended assurances of a fruitful partnership, emphasising the mutual benefits that both institutions stand to gain. "We'll make sure both benefit in terms of research, conferences, and exchange programmes for students and staff," he affirmed, underlining the commitment to equitable collaboration.
Prof. Charles Assuah, Dean of CIP, underscored the significance of such collaborations in enhancing academic excellence and research impact. "Collaborations enhance our academic excellence and amplify our research impact," he articulated, highlighting the global perspective that collaborations of this nature bring to educational institutions.
Echoing the sentiment, Prof. Emmanuel Obed Acquah, Dean of SCA, praised the Department of Theatre Arts for its proactive engagement in international cooperation and exchange programmes. "Such collaborations become very prevalent and unique in our university to enhance our university's visibility," he affirmed, emphasising UEW's commitment to fostering global partnerships.
Dr. Johnson Edu, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, encapsulated the essence of the collaboration as a celebration of unity in diversity. "It fosters the blending of several cultural identities to emerge as one," he remarked, epitomising the ethos of the "New Images of Us" project.
As UEW and Leibniz University, Hannover, embark on this transformative journey, the "New Images of Us" project stands poised to redefine the landscape of theatre arts education, transcending boundaries and fostering a new era of cultural exchange and understanding.
