HeritageConcept
Basel, Switzerland
HeritageConcept is a week-long creative program and social intervention that artistically explores the concept of heritage through an interdisciplinary lens and showcases art, culture and design.
The program is a collaborative partnership between the contemporary African art platform, Afrinova, community organisation Verein AfroBasel, think tank agency, Afrokaana and the Intersect studio.
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In addition to our main exhibition the HeritageConcept's innovative programming offers, a panel talk, art archival tours and community workshops to foster vital dialogue and networking opportunities for local and international communities - aligning with our mission to make an impact toward our collective legacy.
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We invite art lovers, entrepreneurs, and the public to engage with a vibrant constellation of creative ideas that are shaping contemporary African and diasporic culture.
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Collaborators: Museum der Kulturen Basel, Basler Afrika Bibliographien, the Nubuke Foundation, Guns and Rain Gallery, Art Network Africa and Accra Art Week.
Sponsors: Landis & Gyr Stiftung, Südkultur Fonds, Swisslos-Fonds Basel Stadt.
HeritageConcept 26
Following the successful launch of our first two editions in 2023/24, our third iteration will take place in 2026, with a hybrid format aimed at bridging dialogue between our global network of creatives, institutions and galleries.
More Info Coming Soon!!
Centred around our group exhibition titled [W]Here Now, HeritageConcept24 program reflects on the role of water across cultural and contemporary contexts. As a vessel of our collective stories, we delve into this concept across our curated programming to share multiple perspectives of the African and diasporic experience.
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“Memory is power. We can't just activate the history of humanity, but we can rekindle memory or at least a part of it. Like water, memory always finds a way back to the source.”
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Exhibiting Artists: Benjamin Sencherey, Cinthia Sifa Mulanga, Grant Jurius, Eva de Souza, Katlego Tlabela, Kofi Buckman, Kwaku Dapaah Opoku, Laura Arminda Kingsley, Ms. Rafiki and Tuli Mekondjo.
Collaborators: The Nubuke Foundation, Art Network Africa, University of Basel Centre for African Studies
Drawing inspiration from 'We Are Still Here' by Zimbabwean archaeologist Ashton Sinamai, HeritageConcept23 outlined the importance of African knowledge systems as an influential and valuable contribution to global histories and futures.
HeritageConcept programme launch theme provides a relevant backdrop to detailing the importance of heritage-based knowledge systems that can help us understand the past and, more importantly, map our futures.
In this present intersection of hybrid realities and identities, we invite our audience to reflect on what it means to be custodians of heritage. What kind of world emerges when people tap into a new era of creation outside of validated systems?
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Exhibiting Artists: Afroscope, Kwaku Opoku, Laura Arminda Kingsley, Mpho Mokgadi, Nyahan Tachie-Menson, Teddy Pratt, Valerie Etitinwo, Cherry Ann Morgan and Molaudi.
Collaborators: The Nubuke Foundation, Guns and Rain Gallery, Basler Afrika Bibliographien, Museum der Kulturen Basel.