Across the globe, major exhibitions of Africa’s artists are captivating audiences and sparking global conversations about the continent’s rich cultural assets. In 2023 alone, several historic exhibitions of revered African artists including Wangechi Mutu and Bruce Onabrakpeya, a pioneer of Nigerian modernism, were presented in major museums around the world. The year 2023 also saw a monumental new commission by renowned Ghanaian artist El Anatsui officially open at Tate Modern in London.
Despite these triumphs, a critical question lingers: Why must people only have access to significant collections of Africa’s arts in cities like London, New York, and Paris? Why is it not possible for the same major exhibitions to take place in the very cities on the continent where these artists live and work? The answer lies in a stark reality: Africa’s cultural infrastructure is woefully underdeveloped. Spaces from museums to cultural centers struggle to mobilize the resources needed to showcase and preserve the continent’s rich heritage. The lack of resources and an enabling business environment have resulted in limited opportunities for artists and creative professionals who often first achieve recognition far from the continent itself. This concern is not merely a matter of cultural pride; it has far-reaching consequences for the social and economic fabric of communities, in particular, opportunities for Africa’s youth.
Investments in cultural infrastructure are critical to generating employment opportunities, fostering learning and creativity, and enhancing the well-being of communities. In recent times, a new wave of cultural institutions across the continent is emerging, pioneering different models. Examples such as the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, a museum within a university campus of over 30 000 students, the Nkyinkyim Museum in Ghana, a community-based outdoor museum built by artist, Kwame Akoto-Bamfo, and Book Bunk in Kenya, a dynamic institution restoring iconic public libraries, all highlight a promising trend.
In this context, the Yale Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (IPCH) is spearheading a new fellowship program tailored for leaders of cultural institutions in Africa, combining participant-led learning, leadership coaching and advisory services in the preservation and care of collections. The Yale Directors Forum embodies the principle that locally led institutions are the cornerstone of effective cultural heritage preservation. It acknowledges that the challenges facing Africa’s cultural institutions require a collaborative, multifaceted approach, drawing upon diverse partners and expertise from fields such as the humanities, conservation science, and business management. Yale IPCH has introduced a new model of global engagement where it collaborates with local partners in Africa and runs impactful programs in different regions around the world. In
February 2024, the Yale Directors Forum held their first global symposium that took place in Johannesburg, South Africa. The forum saw fellows from across Africa come together to learn and foster growth and collaboration amongst each other as visionaries within the cultural heritage sector. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, sharing knowledge, and supporting the development of cultural leaders, Yale IPCH is contributing to a future where Africa’s cultural heritage is celebrated, preserved, and accessible within local communities and beyond. The need to invest in building cultural institutions in Africa has never been greater, with the continent having the youngest and fastest-growing population. Not only do these institutions preserve heritage and important stories, but they also create jobs and educational opportunities that will transform Africa’s and the world’s future.
Charlotte Ashamu, a distinguished creative economy specialist with a rich background in pivotal roles at esteemed organizations such as the World Bank and African Development Bank. Ashamu has recently been appointed Director of International Programs at IPCH, spearheading efforts to expand the institute’s public outreach and international activities.
