Business Details
African Arts Workshops & Theatre for Schools and Communities
Osun Arts Foundation is a specialist provider of African arts and cultural education, delivering workshops and performances across the UK and Europe. With over 20 years of experience, we combine traditional and contemporary African dance, drama, music, and crafts to foster multicultural understanding. Our team, comprising African-born artists and educators, offers tailored programmes for schools and community groups, supported by DBS-checked staff, Public Liability Insurance, and a robust Child Protection Policy.Recognised with a Prime Minister's 'Points of Light' award, we prioritise authenticity, inclusivity, and educational impact, ensuring participants gain hands-on experience in African heritage through activities like mask-making, storytelling, and cookery. Our work has reached audiences at the Commonwealth Games and the Queens Jubilee procession, reflecting our commitment to cultural exchange and social cohesion.
Services
African dance workshops
Mask-making workshops
Storytelling sessions
Tie-dye workshops
Cookery classes
Drama programmes
Touring theatre productions
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in African arts education.
- All our staff are from Africa, ensuring authentic cultural experiences.
- Our team members are fully DBS checked with robust child protection policies.
- We offer tailored workshops to meet specific educational needs.
- Awarded 'Points of Light' by the Prime Minister for community impact.
What people say
Wonderful experience
Enjoyed participating
Authentic African workshop
Increased cultural awareness
Enthusiastic participation
Services
African dance workshops
Our African dance workshops immerse participants in traditional and contemporary dance techniques, taught by native African instructors. Pupils learn rhythmic patterns accompanied by live drumming, wear authentic costumes, and collaborate on a final performance. These sessions enhance physical coordination, cultural appreciation, and teamwork, aligning with school curricula and community engagement goals.
Mask-making workshops
Mask-making workshops explore West African cultural symbolism through hands-on art creation. Participants study traditional masks, then craft their own using clay or papier-mch, learning about historical significance and artistic techniques. These activities foster creativity, historical understanding, and cross-cultural dialogue, suitable for schools and community groups.
Storytelling sessions
Storytelling and language workshops introduce African dialects and oral traditions. Participants learn basic phrases, engage with folktales, and explore linguistic diversity through interactive methods. These sessions enhance communication skills, cultural literacy, and global awareness, tailored for primary and secondary school audiences.
Touring theatre productions
Our touring theatre productions blend dance, drama, and music to present narratives rooted in African heritage. Shows like 'Ibadi' and 'R.O.A.D.' showcase sacred dances and contemporary themes, performed by professional African artists. These performances educate audiences on cultural history while promoting inclusivity and artistic excellence.
Cookery classes
African cookery workshops teach traditional recipes using indigenous ingredients. Participants prepare meals under expert guidance, learning about nutritional value and cultural significance. These sessions offer practical life skills, sensory engagement, and cross-cultural appreciation, adaptable for school curricula or community events.
Questions
What types of workshops do you offer for schools?
We provide African dance, drama, mask-making, storytelling, cookery, and tie-dye workshops tailored to primary, secondary, and special educational needs schools.
Are your workshops aligned with educational curricula?
Yes, our programmes support expressive arts, cultural studies, and personal development objectives within UK school curricula.
Do you offer services for community groups?
We deliver workshops for community centres, including cultural arts, health initiatives like 'Bodies in Harmony', and vocational projects such as 'Fun With Fabric'.
How do you ensure cultural authenticity?
All instructors are African-born practitioners with expertise in their respective art forms, ensuring genuine cultural transmission.
What areas do you serve?
We operate nationwide across the UK and undertake European tours for performances and workshops.
What accreditations do you hold?
We maintain Public Liability Insurance, DBS-checked staff, and a Child Protection Policy, alongside recognition from the Prime Minister's 'Points of Light' award.
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