THE WEST AFRICAN SUMMER MUSIC TOUR
Ghana * Togo * Benin * Nigeria
2012
WHEREAS, the USA Artist in Residence to the Benin Gospel and Roots Festival serves as a Goodwill Ambassador to promote reconciliation, cultural understanding, and friendships between the people of the United States and the people of the Republic of Benin through gospel songs, music of African diaspora, theatrical performances, education, and cultural awareness
The ITS ALL AN ACT 2 & USA Artist in Residence Project is a group of artists, academicians, curators, students, musicians, writers, visual artists and all manner of creative people who choose the local community and well as a diversion from their usual environment to partner with other artists for mutual benefit. We engage in reflection, research, presentation and/or production. The program allow artists to explore his/her practice inside a community; meeting new people, using new materials, sometimes experiencing life in a new location. We promote environmental sustainability and eco balance through our art and music.
Artist residencies emphasize the importance of meaningful and multi-layered cultural exchange and immersion into another culture.
On the Film Set in Ouidah, Benin shooting the Video for KORA nominated song "Come Back Home To Africa" with Benin Superstar "OKINE"
Some residency programs are incorporated within larger institutions. Other organisations
exist solely to support residential exchange programs. Residencies can be a part of museums, universities, galleries, studio spaces, theaters, artist-run spaces, municipalities, governmental offices, and even festivals. They can be seasonal, ongoing, or tied to a particular one-time event. They exist in urban spaces, rural villages, and deep in nature. Hundreds of such opportunities and organisations exist throughout the world.
On the Film Set in Ouidah, Benin shooting the Video for KORA nominated song "Come Back Home To Africa" with Benin Superstar "OKINE"
Some residency programs are incorporated within larger institutions. Other organisations
exist solely to support residential exchange programs. Residencies can be a part of museums, universities, galleries, studio spaces, theaters, artist-run spaces, municipalities, governmental offices, and even festivals. They can be seasonal, ongoing, or tied to a particular one-time event. They exist in urban spaces, rural villages, and deep in nature. Hundreds of such opportunities and organisations exist throughout the world.
There is no single model, and the expectations and requirements vary greatly. The relationship between the resident and the host is often an important aspect of a residency program. Sometimes residents become quite involved in a community - giving presentations, workshops, or collaborating with local residents. At other times, they are quite secluded, with ample time to focus and investigate their own practice.
The ideal artist is one who can organize their own time well, communicate effectively on the International stage, has a passport or intend to obtain one, able to effectively motivate and mentor other artist to engage in humanitarian initiatives to uplift their host country. Need to be a seasoned artist/performer, bilingual, with a strong background of cultural accomplishments in music, theater, writing, dance and visual arts.
The ideal artist is one who can organize their own time well, communicate effectively on the International stage, has a passport or intend to obtain one, able to effectively motivate and mentor other artist to engage in humanitarian initiatives to uplift their host country. Need to be a seasoned artist/performer, bilingual, with a strong background of cultural accomplishments in music, theater, writing, dance and visual arts.
Visiting the Ecolojah School Orphanage in Benin in 2010 looking on as Mayor Omar Neal addresses the children. (I had just taught them a song)
l-r, Elise Dosseh, Madame Antoinette Kabine, Georgette Houlsen, Chardonee Elam, Joyce Haseeb, Diane Cameron and center (Mr. Isidore Godonou) Pictured during the premiere Juneteenth Celebration 2008. For more Juneteenth Highlights visit http://communityconnectionsjuneteenth.blogspot.com
2008 was the first year the Celebration of Juneteenth in America was partnered with the Sub-Saharan Community. As the 2008 Chairman of Community Connections I want to reach back and thank everyone who made it a success. An idea became a reality. The tradition has now continued.
If you are interested in becoming an Artist in Residence to a Diasporan community, send an email to usaartistprogram@gmail.com.
