Revitalizing Artistic Expressions in AFAS
Sakeenah Kareem
For a long time, the Association of Faculty of Arts Students (AFAS) has been synonymous with social engagements. Past administrations were often judged by the number and quality of parties they organized, with these events becoming the hallmark of AFAS’s identity. While these gatherings hold value, they have frequently overshadowed the artistic potential of Afasites. Recently, however, there has been a subtle shift towards revitalizing artistic expressions within the faculty, an important step in redefining its identity and empowering students to showcase their creative talents.
As Sparky, a student of the faculty, remarked, “The entire school does parties every time, and I think we need to remove ourselves from the crowd and do something different. We have artists of different kinds in the faculty, and artistic events would also give them an audience.” This realization has sparked a movement to reimagine AFAS’s purpose, focusing on creative expression and making it a priority. The current administration has made strides in this direction, introducing programs like art exhibitions and groups for artists in the faculty, which provide platforms for students to display their hidden talents and explore their creative interests.
AFAS boasts a diverse array of artistic talents, spanning painting, poetry, music, and dance. By prioritizing artistic events, the faculty creates an environment where students can discover and nurture their creative passions. Precious Aláké, a 400-level student of European Studies, emphasized the importance of this shift. “We are, after all, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, where talents of diverse kinds and expressions reside. How do you want to cultivate or promote such talents? How do you even discover them if there are no avenues for exploration, development, and exhibition?”
Similarly, Grace Oluwatuyi, a 200-level student of Communication and Language Arts, acknowledged the progress made by the current administration but called for greater emphasis on artistic initiatives. “Artistic events should be prioritized more because that’s our IDENTITY,” she said. She highlighted the need for more exhibitions, such as painting displays, poetic nights, and enlightenment programs like photography and graphic design workshops, which the current administration has already begun implementing.
While much remains to be done, the current administration’s efforts have laid a foundation for a more vibrant and artistic community. Precious further highlighted the potential impact of these efforts, stating, “If AFAS administrations can prioritize artistic events, students can showcase hidden talents and discover things they might not have known they possessed. These talents can be properly appreciated and even serve as a means of monetization for the artists.”
As AFAS continues to evolve, its administration must strike a balance between social events and artistic expression. By fostering creativity and talent, AFAS can reshape its reputation, becoming a hub for artistic innovation rather than being defined solely by its social events. Unfortunately, all efforts to secure a comment from the faculty’s social director proved abortive.
