PARTNERS
AFAI houses the Secretariat of the Arterial Network. The Arterial Network is a dynamic civil society network of individuals, institutions and funding partners working to support the effectiveness and growth of African arts and culture in civil society and to enhance the sustainability of creative industries in Africa.
The relationship between the institutions is one of mutual benefit with the Arterial Network bringing continental and international networks, expertise and resources to bear on, or serve the Institute’s practical, concrete programmes and projects, and vice versa. They operate as separate legal entities.
The African Arts Institute was recently appointed Regional Coordinator for Africa for the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA). The role of AFAI in this capacity is to facilitate IFACCA’s engagement with members and potential members in Africa. The IFACCA Board endorsed the creation of this position as one of the key legacies from the 4th World Summit on Arts and Culture, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in September 2009. The position in Africa, supported for a period of twelve months in the first instance, complements IFACCA’s two other part-time regional coordinator roles, established in Europe and Latin America for over 3 years. These regional coordinator positions actively support IFACCA’s engagement with its members and stakeholders; advise on key regional issues and members’ priorities; input into strategic planning; network, liaise and promote IFACCA services and activities; and play an important role on behalf of IFACCA in supporting our regional chapters. These positions report to IFACCA’s Executive Director.
The Institute was launched with a grant from Spier Holdings. Spier has long believed that the arts have a crucial role to play in the African Renaissance as art, in all its forms, has the power to transform societies.