Gule Wamkulu: Dancing Indigenous Governance
UVic Legacy Art Galleries, January 14 – April 8, 2023
UVic Legacy Art Galleries, January 14 – April 8, 2023
An exhibition about the tradition of the Gule Wamkulu dance within Chewa communities and in uniting past, present, and future as one. Based on the research of guest curator Dr. Devi Mucina and artist Peruzzo Kl. Andrade.
I worked alongside Dr. Mucina at every stage of exhibition development - from concept to visitor experience. I recorded and transcribed Dr. Mucina's storytelling so that his own words guided the exhibition text, preserving his voice and the teachings of his ancestors. I defined the exhibition's key themes and coached the front of house team on engaging with visitors. I designed a winding entrance made of kitenge fabric panels to welcome guests and created a central circle of sand to represent the community bwalo. I also managed a series of exhibition related programming, including the first ever Gule Wamkulu ceremony to be held in Canada. This project pushed me creatively as a designer and remains one of my most meaningful museum experiences.
I worked alongside Dr. Mucina at every stage of exhibition development - from concept to visitor experience. I recorded and transcribed Dr. Mucina's storytelling so that his own words guided the exhibition text, preserving his voice and the teachings of his ancestors. I defined the exhibition's key themes and coached the front of house team on engaging with visitors. I designed a winding entrance made of kitenge fabric panels to welcome guests and created a central circle of sand to represent the community bwalo. I also managed a series of exhibition related programming, including the first ever Gule Wamkulu ceremony to be held in Canada. This project pushed me creatively as a designer and remains one of my most meaningful museum experiences.
Image Credit: Anahita Ranjbar