Projects
Kamer Pallets is a collective of Cameroon artists from Yaoundé. Every two years, they organize the RAVY international festival of visual arts. On the occasion of the 3rd edition of the RAVY festival, the collective organized a visual art workshop in the city of Limbé, Bakassi. This workshop intended to celebrate the brotherhood, unity and peace after a long time dispute of the territory of Bakassi.
The workshop organised by Kamer Pallets addressed the conflict between Nigeria and Cameroon on the Bakassi peninsula. The Bakassi peninsula is surrounded by fishing waters and is rich in oil and gas reservoirs. In 1981 the two countries were on the brink of war over the region, and armed clashes broke out in early 1990s. The tensions were resolved on 13 June 2006 by ceding the land to Cameroon. This decision is still being contested heavily by politicians and media.
During the workshop, lectures were given on topics of peace building and sustainable development. Art work was created by artists and the people from Limbé. These works have been exhibited during the RAVYs general exhibition and festival and some of the works will remain permanently at different venues in Limbé. The workshop aimed to be an example of unity, collaboration and peace by working together on a region once inflamed by conflict. To that end, contemporary cultural productions and performances of high quality have been produced. During the festival and workshop, Kamer Pallets has also organized events that triggered debate on social, cultural and political themes.
The workshop has been attended by nine artists; four artists from Nigeria, four artists from Cameroon and one Dutch artist. The workshop and the exhibition of the work at the RAVY festival will raise awareness about the problems in the region and create more openness for peace, reconciliation and cooperation between the countries.
