Picha Art and Research Center in DRC Launches Urgent Crowdfunding Appeal
In Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, the Picha Art and Research Center has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to address increasing operational expenses and diminishing international aid. Supported by notable cultural figures such as Elvira Dyangani Ose, Francis Alÿs, and Paula Nascimento, the initiative has successfully gathered over €6,000 towards its €10,000 target, which will fund rent, programming, and the upcoming ninth Lubumbashi Biennale in October. Founded in 2008 by artists like Sammy Baloji and Jean Katambayi Mukendi, Picha plays a vital role in contemporary art, hosting exhibitions and workshops. Baloji emphasized the precarious funding situation in the DRC, while Picha aims for sustainable state funding and local partnerships, working alongside the University of Lubumbashi for future projects.
Key facts
- Picha Art and Research Center launched an urgent GoFundMe campaign due to rising costs and dwindling international support.
- The campaign has raised over €6,000 of its €10,000 target.
- Elvira Dyangani Ose, Francis Alÿs, and Paula Nascimento are among the campaign's supporters.
- Picha was founded in 2008 in Lubumbashi by Sammy Baloji and Jean Katambayi Mukendi.
- The Lubumbashi Biennale, Picha's main initiative, is set to hold its ninth edition in October.
- The center was inspired by Baloji's participation in the 2007 Bamako Encounters African Biennale of Photography.
- Camille Ostermann and Hannah O'Leary have donated and voiced support for Picha.
- Picha is considering state funding and expanding local partnerships, including with the University of Lubumbashi.
Entities
Artists
- Elvira Dyangani Ose
- Francis Alÿs
- Paula Nascimento
- Sammy Baloji
- Jean Katambayi Mukendi
- Simon Njami
- Camille Ostermann
- Hannah O'Leary
- Yinka Shonibare
- Ibrahim Mahama
- Michael Armitage
- Barthélémy Toguo
Institutions
- Picha Art and Research Center
- GoFundMe
- Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
- Sharjah Biennial 17
- Lubumbashi Biennale
- Bamako Encounters African Biennale of Photography
- The Art Newspaper
- 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
- Guest Artists Space Foundation
- Red Clay
- Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute
- Bandjoun Station
- University of Lubumbashi
Locations
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Lubumbashi
- Cape Town
- South Africa
- Mexico
- Belgium
- Sharjah
- Bamako
- Mali
- London
- United Kingdom
- Kinshasa
- Africa