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Africa House launches new arts initiative

26th April, 2023

Last week, Africa House launched a new arts initiative designed to help and support people coming to live in Northern Ireland, in particular those seeking sanctuary, students including health professionals, children and young people.

Group of traditional musicians performing outside 2 Royal Avenue seated with two females and a male stood behind them.
Tura Arutura, Capacity Building Manager of Africa House, Karly Greene, Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships and Councillor Christina Black, Lord Mayor of Belfast pictured with Irish Traditional Musicians at the launch of Africa House NI’s African Community Welcoming Arts project.

Newcomers taking part in African Community Welcoming Arts (ACWA) will learn about the different communities and the local cultural heritage through a series of cultural orientation workshops, delivered by renowned educator, Dr Gerard McCann a senior lecturer at St Mary’s College, QUB.

Speaking at the launch, Rosemond Naana Prah the Chairperson of Africa House NI, explained: 

“ACWA will contribute towards unlocking the creative potential of the African diaspora community through participation in arts events and workshops alongside local community and professional artists, so artists can share and gain new skills.“

Karly Greene, Director of Strategic Developments and Partnerships at the Arts Council, said,: 

“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is pleased to support this project by Africa House through our Small Grants Programme, thanks to funding raised for Good Causes by National Lottery players. We know that taking part in arts activities improves our health and wellbeing and brings communities closer together. This project offers an exciting program of arts events for people from the African community here in Northern Ireland to enjoy, helping to bring great art to all.”

Tura Arutura the capacity building manager of Africa House said, 

“We want people to experience the ‘the Cead mile Failte Welcome’, alongside local established artists and arts and culture educators like Tateyana Arutura, Dr Stan Papenfus, Rahim Saphy and Anto Brennan, known for the iconic ‘Northern Ireland chess set depicting key politicians involved in the Good Friday Agreement’