Art Moves Africa – Retracing Roots and Tracing New Routes: Mobility and Touring in North Africa

10
Introduction
1.1
Background
of AMA’s
research
program
AMA launched its research program
in 2011, in recognition of the
complexity of mobility and touring
in Africa and in the hopes of filling
the vast gaps in knowledge
and data pertaining to the topic. It has produced three
studies to date: two focus on East Africa (performing
arts and visual arts) and one focuses on Central Africa.
Through these studies, it has contributed to the
development of knowledge, initiatives and policies that
strengthen mobility on the continent. Indeed, AMA’s
statistics show a substantial impact on mobility in the
East African and Central African arts sectors since
the publication of the studies.
In East Africa, mobility appears to have increased,
with a significant jump in the number of
applications to / from East Africa per session (see
next page). Events such as Addis Foto Fest in Addis
Ababa and Bayimba Arts Festival have become major
international platforms, drawing artists from across
the region, the continent and the world. AMA has also
received significant numbers of applications for events
such as the Karibu Music Festival in Dar Es Salaam; the
Bagamoyo Festival; Tuzinne Festival in Kampala; as well
as for projects in Kigali and Lilongwe. Finally, a new,
regional mobility fund has emerged: the British Council’s
East Africa Travel Grant.