Si Hene Cultural Centre to Open in Accra This October, Archiving Ghana's History
In October, Accra, Ghana, will welcome Si Hene, a new cultural centre that operates on a membership basis, situated in a former pharmaceutical factory. This launch coincides with Accra Cultural Week, scheduled from 29 October to 2 November, and is organized by Gallery 1957. Si Hene, which translates to 'Enstoolment' in Twi, originated as a graduate project by Ghanaian-American artist Rita Mawuena Benissan. The centre features a cultural library and archive lab filled with historical resources, alongside an online portal for academic materials. Benissan envisions a self-sustaining model, aiming for 300 members in its inaugural year. The foundation has partnered with various institutions and recently wrapped up the Custodians of Culture Fellowship. Additionally, the Living Structures project will commence in September, focusing on Ghana's endangered forts and castles.
Key facts
- Si Hene cultural centre opens in Accra, Ghana, in October.
- Located in a repurposed former pharmaceutical factory building.
- Inauguration during Accra Cultural Week (29 October–2 November), organised by Gallery 1957.
- Founded by Ghanaian-American artist Rita Mawuena Benissan.
- Membership tiers: young custodians, custodians, elder custodians; monthly or yearly rates for individuals, organisations, institutional partnerships.
- Archive lab holds decades-old images, newspapers, stamps, fabric, documents, books including first editions.
- Si Hene foundation founded in 2020 to archive and preserve Ghana's cultural heritage.
- Goal of at least 300 members within first year.
- Custodians of Culture Fellowship is a 17-week programme.
- Living Structures, an 18-month project starting in September, supported by UK's National Archives as part of Passage project.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Si Hene
- Gallery 1957
- The Art Newspaper
- National Museum of Ghana
- James Barnor Foundation
- Open Society Foundation
- National Archives
- eBay
Locations
- Accra
- Ghana
- United Kingdom
- United States