Centre soleil d'Afrique
Country
Mali
Profile
Soleil d'afrique is an artist association dedicated to artistic and cultural exchanges that are destined to promote young Malian visual artists. By emphasizing the accomplishments of young Malian artists within Malian boarder and abroad, Soleil d'Afrique aims to better their living conditions while allowing them to concentrate on the quality of their art.
Since ten years ago, Soleil d'Afrique is devoted to the promotion of Malian art in general and young Malian artist specifically. Through the creation of a center and by offering certain tools to young artists the association has enabled many to better develop their art, has permitted them to discover and be discovered through national and international workshops, trainings, exhibitions, and conferences. This is the main objective the Center strives to continuously achieve and surpass.
Soleil d'Afrique is a unique actor on the Bamako, if not Malian, cultural scene. It offers the fertile grounds that are necessary for artistic conception and creation. Furthermore, the interaction with individuals and institutions located beyond Mali's borders is continuously sought out, as intercultural exchange is considered to be decisive factors in the renewal of ideas and the resolutions problems common to many societies. Also, for young artist, an opening on to the world can bring new sources of inspiration as well as new sources of revenue.
In 1999, with the financial assistance of the Prince Claus Foundation, Soleil d'Afrique opened its doors. Offering a space for cultural exchanges, artistic encounters and the exchanges of ideas, the center has permitted the stimulation of artistic creation in Bamako and Mali. Also with the support of its partners and in collaboration with Rain/Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten (Holland), The Ministry of Foreign Affaires and of Cooperation of Holland, the Arts Collaboratory programme, Hivos, Mondriaan Foundation, DOEN Foundation, the Embassy of Holland in Mali, IICD, Africancolours and the Ministry of Culture of Mali, Soleil d'Afrique was able to organise and accomplish many activities.
These activities are concerned with contemporary issues such as the environment, climate change and the need to recycle; South/South cultural exchanges; and the evolution and transformation of traditional Medias such as bogolan and the impact of its change on society. Also Soleil d'Afrique regularly organises workshops, trainings and capacity bulling seminars in new and traditional Medias as well as hosts talks, conferences and debates concerned with the issues and obstacles affecting art in contemporary society in general.
Supported by Arts Collaboratory for
Website
Address
Adress: Soleil d’Afrique
BP: 6076 Aci 2000 Hamdallaye, Bamako Mali