KAMPALA- Our cultural heritage and history holds fort in the future since it is bedrock of our ancestral being and a path way to the new life we hope and yearn for.
As time has gone by, this has been realised by the interest in cultural discourse despite the advancement in technology in this digital era.
On Wednesday, October 1, Alliance Francaise de Kampala (AFK), Goethe- Zentrum , Uganda National Museums, Nommo Gallery and other key players revealed the launch of ” Ethics of Loaning” aimed at Strengthening the discourse on Restitution in Uganda with support from that Franco- German Fund.
Speaking at the presser held at their joint premises, Sheila Akwany
Director Goethe -Zentrum noted that restitution is not a new thing and has been done in West Africa and Uganda and Ethiopia are some of the countries working on the loaning agreement and they are looking at it as they learn from those who have done it before.
Loic Boivin , the director AFK said that it was their to work on Ethics of Loaning in Uganda which is going to be running for the month of October with a series of activities and programs.
” We support art projects in Africa, and across the world for over 28 years.
We carry the mission with pride and
our role is to bridge divides between languages, culture and histories and through this, the Ethics of Loaning program is a re-affirmation of our dedication and open inclusive dialogue on heritage”. Said Loic.
He also asserted that these conversations are not reserved for museums and institutions but they span across other disciplines for artists, scholars, communities and young people whose voices shape the future discourse.
He encouraged us to approach this matters with courage, openness, and respect so that they can resonate beyond the walls, improve lasting partnerships and renewed vision for our stewardship of heritage.
Philip Balimunsi, a Curator at Nommo Gallery called upon the public to come and see these photographic artefacts that will be displayed at their facility.
He highlighted that this will be a series with key stake holders in the industry coming together to have a reminiscent of their history and cultural celebrations at the same time networking, sharing and learning a lot from each other.
Balimunsi empthasized that they will handle 39 artefacts for now as more interactions are being done since some of them require meeting certain conditions for their proper handling and display before noting that they will be open from 9: 00am – 5: 00pm
Barbra Emolot, the Cultural and Programmes coordinator, Goethe- Zentrum noted that they will have both physical and online panel discussions from speakers and experts across the world , Film Screening, Exhibitions , and musical immersions from celebrated artists such as Brian Aliddeki, E’brahim Soul’o, Tush Nabakyala and others for a perfect cultural soiree.
Emolot explained that project is part of the wider dialogues of the Franco – German on Restitution, building on international precedents that have taken shape such as the Germany’s Leadership in the Benin Bronzes and Savoy -Sarr report ( France ).
