Abstract

This practical workshop invites participants to explore the philosophy of Ubuntu — a concept rooted in southern African Bantu and Xhosa traditions that centres community, connection, and shared humanity through the phrase, “I am because we are.” Through collaborative and creative activities, participants will discover how Ubuntu can be used as a tool for learning, co-creation, cultural storytelling, and collective reflection.

The workshop draws from ‘Ubuntu, I am because we are’, an exhibition and public programme developed through a partnership between CCW academic staff and the CCW Public Engagement team, as part of University of the Arts London’s 2025 Black History Month celebrations at Camberwell College of Arts.

Session and activities

Join us for a captivating 50-minute interactive session for staff across all job families, exploring the philosophy of Ubuntu and its applications across creative practice, collaboration, and teaching. Through a multi-mode approach combining presentations, discussion, storytelling, and hands-on making, participants will be invited to reflect on community, connection, and shared humanity through creative practice.

Attendees will create an A5 postcard artwork inspired by the thousands of postcards featured in Camberwell College of Arts’ Ubuntu exhibition, and take part in ‘Story of Things’, a participatory workshop by Winifred Ahupa, which also featured in last year’s programme. The workshop invites participants to share personal stories through everyday objects — garments, gifts, tools, and household items that carry emotional, cultural, and material histories. Through guided prompts and collective conversation, participants will explore how our lives are shaped by the people, places, and histories connected to the objects we keep.

Throughout the session, we will celebrate Ubuntu’s rich visual and philosophical culture while encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and creative exchange. Together, we will explore how Ubuntu can inform more inclusive, compassionate, and community-focused approaches to practice and learning.

Workshop objectives:

• Introduce participants to the core values and practices of Ubuntu

• Facilitate dialogue around collaboration, inclusivity, compassion, and shared humanity
• Encourage participants to consider how Ubuntu approaches can inform their own creative and professional practice