Koyo Kouoh’s Last Lecture on Pan-African Unity
**The Power of Arts and Culture for Healing in African Communities: A Recent Convening in Nairobi**
In a significant event titled “The Power of Arts and Culture for Healing,” 30 artists from across Africa gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, to explore the role of art in addressing trauma, war, and genocide. Curated by Molemo Moiloa and Phumzile Nombuso Twala from Andani.Africa, and organized by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), this gathering provided a rare platform for artists to come together and share ideas on healing and trauma care.
The event featured diverse activities like artist talks, musical performances, and film screenings, all structured to promote vulnerability and sharing of personal and collective experiences. This meeting highlighted the value of art as a medium for inner and communal healing, offering a space where artists could transcend beyond market-driven purposes to engage in meaningful exchanges.
A significant moment at the convening was marked by the death of Cameroonian curator Koyo Kouoh, whose sudden passing brought attention to the personal costs of cultural work among Black practitioners. Kouoh’s vision for the 61st Venice Biennale, which she was set to curate, revolved around artistic practices as both a refuge and a radical proposition, showcasing the need for bold artistic expressions amidst socio-political challenges.
This conference was not an isolated event; it forms part of a renewed global Pan-Africanism echoing past gatherings like the First World Festival of Black Arts and FESTAC 77. The cultural and political conversations from this Nairobi meeting emphasize the urgency of solidarity and connection in the face of regional disparities and historical injustices.
Participants reflected on the personal burden and liberation that come with using art as a tool for healing. Through shared meals and collective dialogue, they examined how the intentional act of creating art not only supports individual healing but also builds collective resilience against ongoing adversities.
In an era marked by social media-fueled “diaspora wars,” this convening stands out as a counter-narrative, promoting solidarity across African communities. The discussions reflected on the importance of face-to-face interactions and artistic collaboration in overcoming cultural and historical divisions.
The event in Nairobi inspired participants to envision a future rooted in interconnected support systems and artistic innovation. As society faces numerous challenges, art remains a powerful catalyst for transformation, offering pathways for healing and renewal.