Cultural tourism walks a precarious line. Private sector investments can generate significant socio-economic benefits for community members and revitalize cultural interests. On the other hand there are many opportunities for exploitation— interest groups stand to profit from over-development, pricing out existing low-income residents. As the growing number of arts, culture and touristic activities in Accra’s… Continue reading “Making space for history” in Accra’s Ga Mashie neighborhood
Category: Cultural + Heritage
On “Town Planning in West Africa”
The more things change, the more they stay the same? A familiar depiction of present-day Accra, Ghana, but this speech was made in 1946: “Accra is a town like Freetown. During the war, its water and electric services have had to do double work, and it has surprised me that they have managed to go on working… Continue reading On “Town Planning in West Africa”
Dakar and Gorée Island: Linking history, tourism and local economies
With its just over one thousand residents, Gorée Island sits two kilometers (1.2 miles) off the coast of Dakar, Senegal. For tourists, the small island is a recognized cultural destination and UNESCO World Heritage site, based on its famed history as a slave-trading station as part of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. But for island’s residents and businesses, it’s… Continue reading Dakar and Gorée Island: Linking history, tourism and local economies
In Dakar, a graffiti festival connects artists, cultures and ideas
For 10 days in April, graffiti artists from around the world gathered in Dakar, Senegal for the fifth annual Festigraff, the Festival international de Graffiti en Afrique/Senegal. While the term “graffiti” can carry a negative connotation, spray can art is Dakar’s most ubiquitous urban art expression, ranging from vandalism to approved and encouraged art. As… Continue reading In Dakar, a graffiti festival connects artists, cultures and ideas
“A Changing Accra” and other features in September issue of ArchiAfrika magazine
Africanurbanism.net article “A Changing Accra” is featured in the September 2013 issue of ArchiAfrika magazine. Have a look at the entire issue below!
Documenting the City: From N’Djamena, Invisible Borders comes to Accra
The Invisible Borders Trans-African Photography Project makes its way to Accra this month, leading photographic workshops, screenings and public art exhibitions, starting this week.
“A Changing Accra”: Residents discuss urban challenges and future in architecture-inspired forum
“When I look at Accra, I see a city that has an identity crisis,” said photographer and blogger Nana Kofi Acquah. “If you look at the city, there’s nothing that tells you where we were, where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going.”