Audrey Galawu
National Gallery of Zimbabwe director, Raphael Chikukwa will be part of a panel of discussions on Visual Arts at the Intra Africa Trade Fair taking place at the International Exhibition Centre in Cairo, Egypt from November 9-15.
The discussions theme is “Renegotiating Pan-African models of collaboration and institution building contribution towards the development and expansion of the contemporary art scene.
The conversation will explore critical contributions to the development and expansion of the contemporary art scene, focusing on the value of philanthropy, infrastructure, access and collaboration with the African visual arts ecosystem.
The host for the trade fair, Africa Export-Import Bank Group, said the vision is to transform Africa’s trade.
Afreximbank said their support complements these efforts by providing financial resources, trade facilitation, cultural exchange, and iInfrastructure development.
“The Bank and its affiliated entities employ a multi-faceted approach, with a profound recognition that economic transformation cannot be meaningful without accompanying social transformation.
“Within this context, the Afreximbank Group has taken the step of creating channels of intervention towards the creative and cultural economy of the African continent and its diaspora.
“Looking at the African visual arts ecosystem from a macro level, this conversation will consider the fundamental elements necessary for the growth of the visual arts sector in Africa,” Afreximbank said.
The Bank said infrastructure and access to visual arts are essential for nurturing talent, preserving culture, and fostering economic growth, and promoting cultural expression in the Africa art ecosystem.
“They contribute to the rich tapestry of global art and cultural expression in the African art ecosystem while also providing opportunities for personal and collective growth.
“In what ways can institutions such as Afreximbank offer training and capacity-building programmes for art entrepreneurs and organisations, helping them develop their management, marketing and business skills.
“The synergy between philanthropy and Afreximbank creates a dynamic ecosystem that propels African art onto the global stage, enriching the continent’s cultural and economic landscape.
“Collaboration in visual arts across Africa is instrumental in sustaining the Pan-African ethos by preserving cultural heritage, fostering cross-border dialogues, and promoting the exchange of knowledge and diverse artistic expressions,” Afreximbank noted.
These collaborative efforts not only benefit the artists and institutions involved but also contribute to the global recognition and longevity of the Pan-African visual arts tradition.
The programme will be moderated by editor-in-chief of The Sole Adventurer, Bukola Oyebode (Nigeria) with some of the panelists including director of the Yemis Shyllon Museum of Art Jes Castellote (Nigeria), CuratorSimon Njami, and Artist and Artistic Director, Something Else, Moataz Nasr (Egypt).
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