The fourth annual Africa Foto Fair, envisioned by acclaimed Ethiopian photographer Aïda Muluneh, is currently enriching the historic UNESCO World Heritage site of Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire. This engaging event, spanning from November 22nd to December 7th, serves as a dynamic platform for exploring photography and nurturing cultural connections. The fair encompasses a rich array of public activities, including insightful workshops, captivating lectures, film screenings, stimulating discussions, and interactive programs tailored for both young audiences and the wider community. It aims to foster a deeper appreciation for visual arts and strengthen cultural bonds across the African continent and beyond.
Africa Foto Fair: A Vibrant Celebration of Photography and Connection
From November 22nd to December 7th, the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage city of Grand-Bassam in Côte d'Ivoire is alive with the spirit of the fourth Africa Foto Fair. This significant cultural gathering, conceived by the visionary Ethiopian photographer Aïda Muluneh, is unfolding across several key locations, including La Maison de l'Art, ESMA, INSAAC, and Côte d'Ivoire Tourisme. The meticulously curated public program is designed to immerse attendees in the world of photography, offering a diverse range of activities from hands-on workshops and enlightening lectures to compelling screenings, thought-provoking discussions, and engaging events for children and local residents alike. The festivities began with a special pre-launch event, “Gaze Eternal: Ethiopia Past and Becoming,” held at the Institut Français. This vibrant showcase featured an impressive collection of historical and contemporary Ethiopian photography, accompanied by captivating screenings and immersive sound installations.
Visitors have the opportunity to experience “Lines of Sight: Africa Now” until December 7th. This exhibition includes a powerful solo presentation by Algerian photographer Ferhat Bouda at La Maison de l'Art, alongside an expansive open-air display in the gardens of La Maison d’Aunty Rosa, highlighting the creations of over 70 talented artists. Beyond “Lines of Sight,” the fair also features compelling installations by artists such as Lucas Foglia's “Constant Bloom,” Ana Amado's “La superficie del tiempo,” Marta Soul's “En Escena,” and a site-specific intervention by Julia Llerena. A dedicated exhibition also spotlights the promising talent of emerging Ivorian photographers from the Laurenceairlines creative ecosystem.
Adding to the fair’s offerings, Galerie Studer in Cocody will host a sales exhibition from November 27th to December 14th, presenting limited-edition prints from both Ivorian and international photographers. The grand finale of the festival will be the much-anticipated inauguration of the Aïda Muluneh Center. This new creative hub and retail space is set to become a permanent fixture, offering photography-inspired merchandise and celebrating contemporary African design.
With a diverse assembly of international guests, speakers, and educators, the Africa Foto Fair powerfully reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fostering artistic ingenuity and strengthening global connections. As Aïda Muluneh eloquently expressed, “We firmly believe that both art and culture are indispensable for societal advancement. This particular edition is dedicated to forging new relationships, engaging a wider public, and reinforcing the cultural bonds that unite Africa and extend far beyond its borders.”
The Africa Foto Fair serves as a powerful reminder of art's capacity to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. By spotlighting African photographers and hosting a global dialogue, the event not only showcases artistic talent but also cultivates a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives. It underscores the vital role of cultural initiatives in fostering community, education, and development, leaving a lasting impression on all who participate and reminding us of the universal language of creativity.
