Context
AfriCAP 2016 is a three-year initiative funded by the European Union under the ACPCultures+ programme. AfriCAP 2016 aims to strengthen synergies and operational capacities amongst decision-makers and professionals in the field of cultural heritage in French-speaking Africa, with a view to consolidating the contribution of cultural heritage to development.
Africa possesses a rich cultural heritage, yet few initiatives are being undertaken to build development on this potential. By addressing the key question of what tools need to be developed to make better use of this heritage, the AfriCAP2016 programme focuses on:
- the management and promotion of immovable, movable and intangible heritage;
- capacity-building for project owners and project managers;
- networking amongst stakeholders.
AfriCAP2016 (2014-2016) focuses on 3 areas:
- Axis 1: Three projects demonstrating the contribution of heritage to development
- Axis 2: Strengthening the operational capacities of decision-makers and players in the field of cultural heritage
- Axis 3: Synergies and networking between cultural heritage decision-makers and professionals
Objectives
Télimélé is a town with a population of around 60,000, situated in the north-west of Fouta Djallon. Its economy, which remains fragile and relies mainly on traditional agriculture, livestock farming and crafts, could be strengthened by drawing on its rich cultural heritage. The establishment of a cultural bank will therefore act as a catalyst for the development of this town. It will help to reduce poverty by creating synergies between a village museum, a microcredit scheme and a cultural centre linked to the recently established craft training centre in the urban municipality.
Results
Axis 1. Project based in Télimélé, Guinea-Conakry, on the ‘Establishment of a cultural bank: a structure linking museum activities, economic activities and social activities’.
Inventory and conservation of at least 260 heritage objects;
Establishment of a village museum;
A management structure for the cultural bank;
A system for generating income and enabling local communities to deposit their heritage assets.
Axis 2. Strengthening the operational capacities of decision-makers and stakeholders in the cultural heritage sector
Two workshops bringing together 16 stakeholders from Senegal and Guinea, trained in the establishment of a cultural bank;
2 training camps bringing together 30 stakeholders from Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, Benin and Guinea, trained in all the essential stages of setting up a cultural bank.
Axis 3: Networking among stakeholders
Stakeholder meetings and exchanges during the project have enabled the creation of synergies between the project’s target groups and beneficiaries. These synergies are reinforced by the launch of a website, which facilitates ongoing discussions, advice and the exchange of expertise.
Resource
For more information download the presentation flyer
Partners
Craterre, AIMF, Ecole du Patrimoine Africain, Grands Ateliers and the communes of Nikki in Benin, Télimélé in Guinea Conakry and Grand Bassam in Côte d'Ivoire
