Are you an international student interested in exploring local art and culture, practicing conversational English, and meeting new people?

We would love to see you at NGV Language Exchange at the National Gallery of Victoria. Join educators at the Gallery each month for conversations about art and design from Australia and around the world, and creative artmaking activities.

All levels of English are welcome, and no prior art knowledge or experience is required. Sessions are free but bookings are essential.

In this session, enjoy a walk and talk through the exhibition Africa Fashion at NGV International. Explore an array of textile and clothing designs from many African countries, showcasing the creativity and diversity of the continent’s contemporary fashion industry. This session includes free entry into the exhibition Africa Fashion, followed by a studio workshop led by local jewellery designer Ella Badu. Create your own fun fashion accessory inspired by designs and decorative details in the exhibition!

About the Artist
Ella Badu is a Melbourne based artist, celebrating West African indigenous spirituality, regalia, and symbolism through her handcrafted jewellery. Her art seeks to tell stories that decentre Western narratives and highlight African jewellery making techniques with a hybridised approach to sustainable practices. Ella’s artistic journey began in Ghana, where she explored her cultural heritage and the country’s artisanal craftsmanship, ultimately finding her passion in jewellery-making. She has pursued studies in silversmithing and jewellery design, and apprenticed under traditional Ashanti goldsmiths, with a vision to create sustainable adornments that serve as a tangible link to the liminal spaces of time, culture, and identity.