We believe in building bridges

Image : Shem Compion and attendees  at Rift  launch  at Unseen Nairobi , © Certified Creatives, 2026

We don’t bother with what they are called or who gets credit - we like literal and figurative bridges. Indeed, that is why Arete Arts exists - to help provide connections and spaces that link across geography, age, sectors and perspectives. 

We had a lot of fun seeing this in action at the Unseen Theater in Nairobi last month. Photographer and author Shem Compion launched his book The Rift: Scar of Africa which delves into the vast and intertwined geological, paleoanthropological, ecological and cultural elements of the rupture that began 25 million years ago and is still the underpinning of 11 countries (Ethiopia to Mozambique). He was joined by contributing author Dr. Lydia Olaka and poet Ngwatilo Mawiyoo.

Working with Wajukuu Arts Collective, Ghetto Classics and Azadi, Arete was able to bring together 50 young people from across Nairobi for an interactive afternoon. Riffing off the subject matter - and working with new friends - poems were written, dances and songs performed, and insights were shared. 

The Rift is available now at www.therift.africa. 

We are working on series of small events in the months ahead and hope to see you at one of them  . . .

In perpetual search of more moments of joy,

 

ARETEWORKS STORYTELLING WORKSHOP TOGO 2025

BEHIND THE SCENES

Video : © Kehinde Temitope Odutayo, 2025

As we talk with more ethical storytellers in Nairobi, we were fondly remembering the group of creatives that kicked us off last year n May 2025. Arete worked with the Palais de Lomé and AFRISOS to bring together 27 conservationists, artists, and filmmakers from West Africa (and beyond), for an intensive three-day storytelling workshop in Lomé, Togo. The workshop featured sessions with globally renowned mentors Jigar Ganatra, Melody Sky and Richard Camp who challenged participants to create powerful 90-second films—in just two days (48 hours). Go behind the scenes with us to get a taste of the action as it unfolded. And check out our YouTube channel for everything that was produced. 

We are also thrilled that one of the winning filmmakers, Kehinde Temitope Odutayo, has stayed involved and filmed the Arete event in Dakar. 

 

ARTIST FOCUS: SIKA ABLA AKPALOO Sika Akpaloo is a Togolese visual artist who overflows with energy and warmth. she transformed her entire home and garden into a living studio where fabric scraps and ink mark are found throughout.   Her journey began unexpectedly. Originally a hairdresser for ten years, everything changed when she visited an exhibition by the celebrated Togolese artist and musician Jimi Hope. Deeply moved by his work, she decided to stop creating on heads and start creating on canvas. "I simply changed my medium," she explains.

Two months later, she closed the door on hairdressing for good. She began sketching everything that came to mind and, impressed by her own progress, sought formal training under recognised local artists Confiteor and Kounakey Claudio. Her dedication shows clearly in her work, which commands admiration.

Sika paints with passion on themes close to her heart: love, harmony, peace, unity, and the splendour of women and children. As she puts it, "everything around us speaks." Sika also recycles old neckties and creates unique art pieces that carry a message about sustainability today. Sika lives in Lomé at her home studio with her partner Tessi Kodjovi, another talented artist.

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Images : Sika Abla Akpaloo at her home studio, Lomé, Togo. © Melody Sky Photography, 2024

WHERE WE FIND INSPIRATION

SEEDBALLS KENYA

Seedballs may be a genius solution to Kenya's deforestation problem. Seedballs are made by combining waste charcoal dust with nutritious bindings,  formed into a ball around seeds, which protects them from damage and animals. Unfortunately, charcoal is a very common form of fuel in Kenya. The dust is a waste product from production and is often left in piles in urban areas, polluting the environment. Using charcoal dust to make seedballs removes some of these piles and uses the waste product to grow new trees, helping to replace those used to make the charcoal in the first place. 

 

 

Since 2016, the Seedballs Kenya team have distributed approximately 60,500,000 seedballs and have been nominated for several environmental awards , as well as featuring on the BBC's TV series, presented by Sir David Attenborough, the Green Planet (Episode 5, 'Human Worlds').

 

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20-22 FEBRUARY 2026

INVESTEC CAPETOWN ART FAIR 2026

Image :  © Investeccapetownartfair.co.za, 2026

The Investec Cape Town Art Fair runs from 20 to 22 February at the CTICC. Now in its 13th edition, it remains the largest contemporary art fair on the continent, bringing together 126 exhibitors from 34 cities across 22 countries and showcasing work by 490 artists. This year's curatorial theme is Listen - an invitation to slow down, tune in and engage more deeply with art and with each other. It is a wonderful gathering point for collectors, curators, artists and anyone curious about where contemporary African art is heading. Hope to see you there . . .

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