About Department of Art and Oromo Folklore

The department of Art and Oromo Folklore is also another unit operating under the Institute of Languages Study and Journalism of Wollega University. It is known that Ethiopia is a country of diverse ethnic groups and diverse visual or verbal and performing culture. Therefore, the department aims to study, preserve, protect, develop and promote visual culture of the people of the country as well as to address cultural issues. Besides, it is meant to describe, analyze, criticize, bring in context, report and evaluate works of art. The department teaches by emphasizing on Painting, Sculpture, Graphics, Art and Design. It teaches from theoretical basis in World Art history to Ethiopian Art history so that students will be able to see the art in a wider perspective and can appreciate and understand their own art. The department has program in Music Art which works on the development of Oromo Music. For example, Hachalu Hundesa Music School is the one that is working keenly for the development of Oromo Music uniquely teaching in Afan Oromo Language. The Fine Arts and Theatrical Arts are another programs operating under this department meant to train students in theatrical affairs and graphic art and design. The department has 32 academic staff out of which 12 of them are M.A holders and 19 of them are B.A holders. One academic staff is M.A candidate. The department has developed a strong reputation for its contributions to cultural preservation, community-based art projects, and research in indigenous knowledge. The faculty and students participate in exhibitions, performances, and heritage documentation projects, making the department a vibrant center for creativity and cultural expression.