About Us
WAAU – World African Artists United – is a nonprofit association comprised of creative professionals from diverse disciplines, united by a shared commitment to fostering connections between African and Afro-descendant artists and a network of strategic partners. The association aims to enhance the visibility of these artists and facilitate their access to renowned cultural and institutional platforms, promoting artistic exchange, inclusion, and representation on a global scale.
Our vision
African Contemporary Art is inherently diverse and multifaceted, yet it continues to face persistent stereotypes and marginalization within the global art landscape. As a nonprofit association, we believe that access to accurate information and critical discourse is essential to challenging these outdated perceptions. In line with this vision, we are developing a comprehensive digital platform to serve as a resource for knowledge, reflection, and transformation. Through rigorous research, we are curating a catalogue that highlights the richness, diversity, and prolific nature of African Contemporary Art.
To further support this vision, we organize various events that foster dialogue and visibility, actively develop strategic partnerships with institutions and cultural stakeholders, and are in the process of establishing an art prize to celebrate emerging and established talent, These initiatives collectively contribute to building a more inclusive and representative global art narrative.
Our mission
WAAU’s mission is to identify, support, and promote the international recognition of African and Afro-descendant artists, with the objective of cultivating greater awareness and appreciation of African cultural references and their vital role in artistic creation and innovation. As an association, we are committed to advancing cultural equity by encouraging dialogue between artistic traditions and promoting the integration of African and Afro-descendant perspectives within the global contemporary art discourse.
Our platform also seeks to inspire and empower new generations of artists to embrace and celebrate their cultural heritage, while engaging in meaningful exchange with other cultures. Through targeted support, capacity-building, and visibility initiatives, we aim to contribute to their professional development and active participation in the contemporary art ecosystem.
Partners
Waau in numbers
Our platform offers a rich repository that connects diverse Artists, Curators, Galleries, Residencies, and Countries, stimulating critical dialogue and reflecting global artistic narratives and cultural exchanges.
Get in touch
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