It is now 15 years since the idea of ‘Different BUT One’ annual Art Exhibition for staff of the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art, was first conceived. I take the opportunity to applaud all those who have steadily and persistently kept the momentum of this very important event that has kept our creative spirits alive. The role of art and design in society cannot be ignored.

Art projects back to humanity, knowledge and awareness of reality which in turn allows humanity to understand reality better. Through the creation and presentation, and then absorption by others within the community of the arts, the artist is able to reflect the historical moment and project into the community an awareness of the moment, an awareness of the humane or inhumane conditions of that moment, and an awareness that inhumane conditions need to be changed for the better.

Though different in medium, style or theme, the artworks presented in this exhibition inspire us to reflect deeply on the socio-cultural, economic, and political realities of the time, and prompt each one of us to play our role in making this world a better place for us today and for posterity.

The Year 2011 has started with the transformation of Makerere University into a collegiate, research-led University with 8 colleges. The Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts (MTSIFA) is now a School within the College of Engineering Design Art and Technology (CEDAT). I warmly welcome our colleagues from the School of Engineering, and the School of the Built Environment, and I am very optimistic that the newly formed nexus between art and technology will extend the creative boundaries of Different BUT One to greater heights. As we build for the future.

I wish you good viewing.

Dr. Venny Nakazibwe

DEAN, MTSIFA

Message at the opening of the Different But One Art Exhibition at Makerere University