Somali Arts Foundation founder Sagal Ali on rebuilding Somalia through art
In response to the absence of cultural infrastructure following decades of civil conflict that began in the early 1990s, Sagal Ali established the Somali Arts Foundation (SAF), the first independent art institution in Somalia. She asserts that art plays a crucial role in rebuilding after war and fostering sustainable peace. SAF seeks to broaden Somalis' perspectives of themselves and the world, fostering unity and empathy. Ali emphasizes the importance of women, who, despite enduring significant gender inequality, are essential to Somali families and the economy. The foundation aids marginalized women artists and functions as an educational hub for aspiring creators. Ali urges both the Somali government and international donors to enhance funding for arts and culture. This interview was conducted by Niccolò Lucarelli for Artribune.
Key facts
- Somali Arts Foundation (SAF) is the first and only independent art institution in Somalia.
- Somalia's civil war began in the early 1990s.
- SAF aims to use art to stimulate critical debate on identity, memory, suffering, spiritual healing, and self-expression.
- Women are the primary actors in Somali design but have been traditionally excluded from public debate.
- SAF creates a safe space for female Somali artists to overcome war trauma.
- There is no professional art education in Somalia; SAF provides training.
- The Somali diaspora is one of the largest in the world, spanning every continent.
- Ali calls for increased government and foreign donor funding for arts and culture.
Entities
Artists
- Sagal Ali
- Hana Mire
- Niccolò Lucarelli
- Fardowsa Hussein
Institutions
- Somali Arts Foundation
- Artribune
Locations
- Somalia
- Mogadishu
- Europe
- North America