International Arts Exhibition ends

First highlight set at “Mama Africa” in The Gambia

The opening in March was quiet a very energetic event: The spirit of the different artworks from artists around the world, the power of the live music and the cultural performance, including the griot and koraplayer Tata Dindin, well-known from the André Heller project: “Afrika! Afrika!”, the engagement of the artist themselves being present and at least the wonderful weather, the nice drinks and the great location of “Mama Africa – women’s museum & art centre”. All this happened at the “International World Women’s Day 2010” in a small village at the Atlantic Ocean called Batokunku: translated from the local language it means “Seaside Garden”.

Now after more than one month the exhibition ends with another lively event: The “Night of the Griots”. Three griots, from The Gambia and Germany, has performed in a wonderful concert inside the gallery. It was a magic and on the other hand a very entertaining night – another multi-cultural experiences in the short period of operating “Mama Africa”. During the last weeks more than 500 visitors have had a look at the exhibition. It was the first time in history of The Gambia that more than 20 artist from around the world exhibiting their works in the small country in West Africa. At the opening and during the time of the exhibition the audience was mostly coming from the international organisations, the diplomatic corps, interested Gambians and tourist; unfortunately no member of the official cultural organisations in The Gambia took the opportunity to attend such kind of unique event. That shows the problems culture is facing in countries like The Gambia. But throughout the power and obligation of Isha Fofana, the proprietor of “Mama Africa” and the only international renowned female Gambian artist, the event ends very successful and has set a milestone in the history of her homeland.

22 female artists from around the world were exhibiting at “Mama Africa – Women’s Museum & Art Centre”. The exhibition was called “Freedom, Equality, Fraternity – For Humans”, it started in The Gambia and will continue as a touring exhibition to other Women’s Museums around the world: Kenya, Germany, Bolivia, and others. Four artists, participating in the exhibition, has been be present at the opening. The event was initiated by the International Artist Association in Germany (www.internationalerkuenstlerverein.de). Isha Fofana, founder of “Mama Africa”, is long time member of this recommended organisation. The exhibition is the first highlight set the Gambian artist after her grand opening mid of February. It is a symbol too set by the International Artist Association and the World Women’s Museum Network to start the exhibition at their latest member – and of course in an African country.

INVITATION

International Women’s Day 2010

Worldwide touring art exhibition will start in The Gambia

Time: Sunday, March, 7^th, 2010, 3 p.m. (opening)

Place: “Mama Africa” - Batokunku (next after Tanji)

20 female artists from around the world will exhibit at “Mama Africa – Women’s Museum & Art Centre”. The opening will take place the day before the “International Women’s Day 2010”. The exhibition called “Freedom, Equality, Fraternity – For Humans” starts in The Gambia and will continue as a touring exhibition to other Women’s Museums around the world: Kenya, Germany, Bolivia, and others. Four artists, participating in the exhibition, will even be present for the opening. The event is initiated by the International Artist Association in Germany (www.internationalerkuenstlerverein.de). Isha Fofana, the proprietor of “Mama Africa”, is long time member of this recommended organisation. The exhibition is the first highlight set by the renowned Gambian artist after her grand opening mid of February. It is a symbol too set by the International Artist Association and the World Women’s Museum Network to start the exhibition at their latest member – and of course in an African country. The exhibition will stay at “Mama Africa” till the end of the “Women’s Week” in The Gambia.

It would be a pleasure for all artists – local and abroad, present or absent - to welcome you and your friends, colleagues and business partners at this special occasion at the new unique location of “Mama Africa”. And it would be great too for the media to publish the event accordingly some days before. For further information just call: 7450730 (Isha Fofana) or 7333780 (Bernd Ax). Thank You!

Best wishes

Isha Fofana

Dreams and Tears
Minister officially opened the latest women’s museum

It was a real African day, the 16 February 2010 in Batokunku: Everything was exceptionally colourful, lively and full of emotions. The speeches were held powerful. Isha Fofana, the founder, falls into tears of joy. The highlight was the official opening of “Mama Africa - women’s museum and art center” in The Gambia.

“Mama Africa” is the newest museum in the network of women’s museums around the world. It focuses on the presentation of everyday life of women in West Africa and also provides both traditional and contemporary art. The Founder, Isha Fofana, herself a painter, has earned during her time in Europe a good reputation. She has had e.g. exhibitions with UNESCO, the UN and the EU. Almost two years ago, she returned to her homeland to help with her experience - especially the girls and women. She also wanted to fulfil her dream: “Mama Africa”. This dream came now true.

150 guests got together in the shady art garden: Official representatives from relevant ministries, women’s offices, the tourism industry, the diplomatic corps, artists, friends and relatives. The representatives of arts and culture paid tribute to the work of Isha and they were pleased that she has finally created a great place in The Gambia to exhibit her art - including the works of other artists. The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Fatou Mass Jobe Njie, has emphasized the importance of arts and culture for the development of the country. She spokes in behalf of Her Excellency, Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy, the Vice-President of The Gambia and Minister of Women’s Affairs. “Mama Africa” is a milestone and her ministry would work out together with Isha Fofana a concept how to place art and culture at the heart of the tourist activities.

With “Mama Africa” a place has been establish where the Gambians and tourists can feel very comfortable and can experience – live and authentic - art and culture on an international standard. Initial collaborations by now exist with lodges around, organizations, schools and universities abroad. Together workshops will be arranged: Art, as well as cooking, “African Life” … Mid of March a school class from England is coming, after a group from Maryland/USA, in early April again students from England together with students from the Gambia, etc. This kind of inter-cultural cooperation will certainly be a priority of “Mama Africa”. The next big event is around the corner: At the International Women’s Day 2010 an exhibition will start at “Mama Africa”. This exhibition will present works by women artists from around the world - as a travelling exhibition which then goes into other women’s museum.

After the official guests left at noon, the place filled with the residents of the village. They had been watching the constructing from the outside, but just a few had the chance to take a look into the museum till the day of the opening. More and more cultural groups with masks and drums came and it was celebrated until the late evening hours. “Mama Africa” is back home!

Isha Fofana is at the end of the day calling on the international organisations, NGOs and other institutions to help her with the last step: bringing light to the museum. Therefore another investment of 15.000 to 20.000 Euros is needed to implement a Hybrid Wind-Solar Energy System, an investment her budget cannot stand at the moment.

Further information:
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/tourism-minister-inaugurates-women-museum

http://today.gm/hi/news/1522.html

http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/mama-africa-womens-museum-and-art-center-opens

Next week is the official opening of the women’s museum of Gambia. We keep one’s fingers crossed for you!

Nächste Woche ist die offizielle Eröffnung mit der Vize-Präsidentin, die sich sehr für Frauenfragen einsetzt, der Ministerin für Kultur & Tourismus … - dann gibt es einen schönen Artikel mit Bildern aus Gambia. Außerdem noch ein paar kleinere Infos zu Kooperationen ….

Zum Weltfrauentag wird eine inter. Wanderausstellung hier starten, die dann auch zu anderen Frauenmuseen geht. 20 Künstlerinnen nehmen teil, vier kommen sogar persönlich.

Also, bis nächste Woche

Isha & Bernd

Opportunities and threats to gender equality

in Africa

http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/opportunities-and-threats-to-gender-equality-in-africa-1

“Mama Africa” is open!

Die Women’s Museum and Art Centre “Mama Africa” in The Gambia is open now! The founder of “Mama Africa”, Gambias renowned female international artist Isha Fofana, has started the first exhibition at the place with a selection of her artworks: paintings, sculptures and installations. Other artist from West Africa are working already at the Art Centre and exhibiting their works too. The Museum and Art Centre bring to life the voices, talents, achievements, aspirations and stories of the past, present and future. They are based in the extraordinary, tranquil location of “Mama Africa” in Batokunku. The first visitors are fascinated about the quality of the art works and the place itself – enjoying the creative and peaceful atmosphere.

The message of the Women’s Museum is different from normal museums. These differences will hopefully generate interesting exchanges as more visitors from West Africa and beyond begin to drop by, turning the museum into a lively cultural centre. All will happen step by step at the amazing building of the Art Centre and Art Garden of “Mama Africa”. It will not be a museum where visitors just walk around and watch historical objects and art works. It will be a “Living Museum”. Guests will meet artists at work, enjoy local dancing and music, observe traditional and cultural dresses and learn to prepare Gambian food and drinks. They will have the opportunity to get in touch with female spiritual power and healing methods and experience family life from the past and today. The mission is to show the life of a modern African woman and contemporary African art, and to give a view to the inside of women in the African society of the future.

“Mama Africa”, a non-profit association founded in 2009 in The Gambia. The vision that guided the creation of the Women’s Museum is to build an institute for the future based on the belief that the voices, imaginations and contributions of women must be part of the foundation of the society and shape the future. Isha Fofana wants the character of the museum to be unique in West Africa, and establish an international centre for tradition and culture, modern art, documentation and activities especially concerning women, a place where everyone will feel comfortable and enjoy.

The main emphasis of the association “Mama Africa” is the promotion of less privileged girls and women in The Gambia, to improve their social competences and work on their own talents in the production of art objects like batik, painting, clay etc. The aim is to secure an income of one’s own, self consciousness and an independent life. The further purposes of the organization are the promotion of art and culture in The Gambia in general, the education in art, the support of abilities of people and professionals in the field of arts, the intercultural coming together of Gambians and visitors and the development of the country in general.

Contact “Mama Africa”: 00220 - 7 450 730 (Isha Fofana).

Women’s Museum in The Gambia

“Mama Africa” is preparing a soft opening in December

Fundraising for a Solar-Wind Energy System

“Mama Africa”, a non-profit association founded in 2009 in The Gambia, will open the “Women’s Museum and Art Centre” in Batokunku (Tanji) beginning of December 2009. The vision that guided the creation of the Women’s Museum is to build an institute for the future based on the belief that the voices, imaginations and contributions of women must be part of the foundation of the society and shape the future. The Museum and Art Centre bring to life the voices, talents, achievements, aspirations and stories of the past, present and future. They are based in the extraordinary, tranquil location of “Mama Africa” in Batokunku. Isha Fofana, Gambias renowned female international artist is the founder of “Mama Africa”. She wants the character of the museum to be unique in West Africa, and establish an international centre for tradition and culture, modern art, documentation and activities especially concerning women, a place where everyone will feel comfortable and enjoy.

It will not be a museum where visitors just walk around and watch historical objects and art works. It will be a “Living Museum”. Guests will meet female artists at work, enjoy local dancing and music, observe traditional and cultural dresses and learn to prepare Gambian food and drinks. They will have the opportunity to get in touch with female spiritual power and healing methods and experience family life from the past and today. The mission is to show the life of a modern African woman and contemporary African art, and to give a view to the inside of women in the African society of the future.

Women’s museums are still a rarity in other countries. Their message is likely to be quite different from normal museums. These differences will hopefully generate interesting exchanges as more visitors from West Africa and beyond begin to drop by, turning the museum into a lively cultural centre. All will happen step by step from the beginning of December, inside the amazing building of the Art Centre and Art Garden of “Mama Africa” in Batokunku. The Art Garden itself is an old bush area containing a lot of powerful herbs, old trees and wonderful flowers, at every corner surprising art work created by West African artists or nature itself.

Without support from any organisation or government “Mama Africa” is busy working on the finishing of the Women’s Museum and Art Centre with an investment of 75.000 Euros (3 M Dalasis) already. “I had for almost ten years a great career in Europe and I decided to come back to my country, to help, to give back to my country something, the experiences I have learned. It is not the money we have to give to our homeland, to the children; it is the knowledge which will build up a great future for The Gambia. Therefore I have invested all my capital” says Isha Fofana, also known as “Mama Africa”, describing her philosophy, her dream. To expand her collection of items and artworks, Isha Fofana is inviting everyone in the country to help with clothes, photos and other memorabilia, from old cooking pots to masks, traditional dresses and jewellery, exhibits from the public life of Gambian women as well as the personal details of their private lives. She is calling on the international organisations, NGOs and other institutions to help her with the last step: bringing light to the museum. Therefore another investment of 15.000 to 20.000 Euros is needed to implement a Hybrid Wind-Solar Energy System, an investment her budget cannot stand at the moment.

The main emphasis of the association “Mama Africa” is the promotion of less privileged girls and women in The Gambia, to improve their social competences and work on their own talents in the production of art objects like batik, painting, clay etc. The aim is to secure an income of one’s own, self consciousness and an independent life. The further purposes of the organization are the promotion of art and culture in The Gambia in general, the education in art, the support of abilities of people and professionals in the field of arts, the intercultural coming together of Gambians and visitors and the development of the country in general. The sale of the art objects and pictures as well as a sponsorship of visitors and other donators will later serve the financing of the non-profit association “Mama Africa” – the “mother” of the Women’s Museum and Art Centre.

Contact “Mama Africa”: 00220 - 7 450 730 (Isha Fofana).

For further information about Isha Fofana, “google” her name.

The webpage “isha-fofana.de” is under construction and will be opened in January 2010.

Biography:

1965 born in Banjul – The Gambia / West Africa

Since 1984 member of the ”Gambia Black African Art Club”

Since 2001 a lot of private and public exhibitions in Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands

2002 and 2004 exhibition together with UNESCO Music Award in Aachen, Germany

2006 opening gallery “Mama Afrika” in Cologne / Köln / Germany

Nov. 2007 exhibition together with award given to Waris Dirie, Kerkrade, The Netherlands

Nov. 2007 Nomination “Best African Artist in Europe”

Since 2007 International Representative of the Gambian artists

Since 2008 member of “Internationaler Künstlerverein e.V. (IKV) / International Artist Association” Germany

Nov. 2008 opening gallery “Mama Africa” in Brusubi / The Gambia

April 2009 founding of the non-profit association “Mama Africa Art Centre”

Exhibitions end 2008 and 2009:

Cultural Centre „de Warande“ – Antwerpen / Belgium

“Land Art” – Hannover / Germany

Hilton Hotel Cologne / Germany

WDR (German Public TV and Radio Station) – Cologne / Germany

“Straßen verbinden Kulturen” / Press Department of the German Government - Bonn / Germany

Sheraton Hotel Brufut / The Gambia

UN Headquarter “Inter. Women’s Week” / Cape Point /Gambia

EC Residence “Europe Day” / Fajara / Gambia

Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Taipeh / Taiwan

„Afrikanischer Künstler” / Düsseldorf / Germany

„Weltreise der Sinne II” / Bonn / Germany

“Straßen verbinden Kulturen” / Museum for Industry / Karlstadt / Germany

“Kunst und Religie” / Denderleeuw / Belgium

Under preparation:

FESMAN / Dakar / Senegal

Various activities in The Gambia, Senegal, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark, England, USA, Switzerland and Austria – e.g. international female artists presenting works during the “Woman’s Day 2010″ program in The Gambia.