The Power of Culture

With its motto 'act locally, impact globally' the ARTerial Network connects more than one hundred artists and cultural organisations in Africa together. The exchange of information and lobbying are needed to strengthen the African art sector. What has the network done for art organisations on the African continent? Five views from five countries: Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Egypt. "The power lies in the collective voice."

Achille Mbembe about the cruel confrontation between money and ideas.

Rustom Bharucha about re-imagination and the need for complexity in development theatre.

Bart Luirink pleads for an uninhibited practice of art in Africa.

NRC Handelsblad's book editor Elsbeth Etty about the difference between art and propaganda.

Sibongile van Damme about the tricky relationship between governments, cultural funds and recipients.

Nigerian writer Tolu Olungesi wonders what 'authenticity' actually means in the case of African literature.

Essay by Binyavanga Wainaina about market forces and the frappuccino consciousness.

ZAM editor Anton Stolwijk about Mafrika, the film that was awarded but never released.

Mauricio Delfín about culture and processes of change in Peru.