Ugandan Gallery Denied Visas for Africa Basel, Booth Left Empty
The Umoja Art Gallery from Uganda has withdrawn from the Africa Basel fair following Swiss visa denials. Director John Hillary Balyejusa and a colleague submitted their applications over two months ago at the Swiss embassy in Nairobi, only to be turned down less than a week prior to their intended travel. An empty booth, designated since June 16, underscores the challenges borders impose on the global art scene. Balyejusa voiced his disappointment, speculating that the rejection might be linked to Uganda's recent Ebola situation (19 confirmed cases, one probable, with no new cases reported since June 5). Meanwhile, artworks, including those by artist Makano, are still en route to Basel. Richard Mudariki, a Zimbabwean artist who encountered a similar visa issue last year, is showcasing his "Art World Passport" project at Africa Basel.
Key facts
- Umoja Art Gallery from Uganda forced to cancel Africa Basel participation due to visa denials.
- John Hillary Balyejusa and colleague applied at Swiss embassy in Nairobi over two months.
- Rejection letter received less than a week before travel.
- Empty booth sign as of June 16 highlights physical borders and administrative barriers.
- Ebola outbreak in Uganda (19 confirmed cases, no new cases since June 5) may be a factor.
- Artworks by Makano still being shipped to Basel; hired person to manage booth.
- Richard Mudariki present at Africa Basel and Gerbergasse 82 with Art World Passport project.
- Mudariki aims to discuss migration and inequality; plans future installation of collected passports.
Entities
Artists
- Richard Mudariki
- Makano
- John Hillary Balyejusa
Institutions
- Umoja Art Gallery
- Africa Basel
- The Art Newspaper
- Swiss embassy in Nairobi
- United Nations
- 1:54 art fair
Locations
- Uganda
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Kampala
- Nairobi
- Kenya
- France
- New York
- Congo
- Gerbergasse 82