Clay, Creativity and Connection: TCAC’s Virtual Ceramics Exchange with Kenya
In Term 4 of 2025 (October and November), The Children’s Art Centre (TCAC) proudly took part in an exciting international collaboration that brought art, technology, and cultural exchange together in a truly meaningful way. The Virtual Ceramics Exchange Project connected learners from TCAC in Cape Town with learners from the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI) in Kenya through a series of shared online art lessons.
The project was coordinated by Hedwig Chandler (TCAC) and Faith Kioko (NCAI) and supported by the ICTC (Information, Communication and Technology Committee). Using digital platforms such as Zoom (with Google Meet as a backup), learners aged 11–14 participated in live, interactive lessons despite being thousands of kilometres apart. Technology became the bridge that allowed creativity to flow across borders.
Over the course of the programme, 12 learners from TCAC and a small mixed group of learners from Kenya explored drawing and ceramics together. The project began with observational drawing lessons led by Hedwig, before moving into clay work guided by ceramic artist Gary Fryer in Cape Town. In Kenya, ceramics sessions were facilitated by the experienced team at Kuzi Pottery Studio, who supported learners in pot construction and surface decoration.
Beyond the artmaking, the exchange focused on connection and communication. Learners introduced themselves, asked icebreaker questions, shared ideas, and reflected on their creative processes. These moments of interaction reminded us that art is a universal language — one that easily crosses cultures when supported by digital tools.
The project was also professionally documented. Philip Theron from @Fynbosfilm, filmed at TCAC, while NCAI contributed additional footage from Kenya. Together, this material is being edited into a short documentary capturing the creative process, learner voices, and the unique energy of this cross-cultural collaboration.
The Virtual Ceramics Exchange Project forms part of TCAC’s growing commitment to digital learning and international collaboration, showing how accessible technology can open doors to global creative experiences for young artists. Most importantly, it celebrated creativity, curiosity, and collaboration — values at the heart of everything we do.
We are incredibly proud of our learners and grateful to all the artists, facilitators, organisers, and partners who made this project possible.