An evaluation of the design of Arts and Cultural Craft centers in Uganda. A case study of the Uganda National Arts and Crafts center

Abstract

In Uganda today, Arts and Crafts Centres present an avenue for the much needed development through employment, tourism, community development as well as cultural identity. However, the contribution of these arts and crafts centres has greatly been neglected. There is limited interest in matters with regard to Arts and Crafts centres, this has greatly impacted the significance and vibrance of arts and crafts centers. There has been minimal development with regard to the design and function of Arts and Crafts Centers. They are still used for the sole purpose of selling arts and crafts and still possess the same stall set-up design, even for those that were just recently established. The research therefore sought to assess effective utilization of Arts and Crafts Centres. As well as identifying and analyzing how suitable the design of arts and crafts centers is. The case study approach was used to investigate the design strategies, processes, as well as analyze how suitable the design of the center is. The focus of the study was the National Arts and Crafts Centre located in Kampala city Centre. Different data collection methods were used including a review of existing literature, interviews, discussions and observations. The study finally recommends ways of effectively designing arts and crafts centers that are more relevant to community development as well as portraying our rich cultural heritage and increasing awareness about the importance of Arts and Crafts Centres to our communities