The idea of creating an art center in Gambia came to me in 2009. That same year, I contacted the artists Isha Fofana and the late Eto Ndow, both directors of art centers, who encouraged me to implement my idea of another art center, but neither of them had the capacity to continue collaborating.
The project was on hold for five years until I learned that once I turned 58, I would no longer be able to withdraw the full amount of my pension that I had earmarked for investing in the art center. What meant I didn't have much time left. I discussed my concept with friends and acquaintances who supported me to continue. In order to get to know African art better, I contacted Simon Njami, a world-renowned curator, and presented him with my project description. He put me in touch with Adama Sanneh, a communication scientist who would support me in the development of the project.
I emigrated to Gambia in June 2016. In October, after the rainy season, I had my first meeting with the A4A Architects. The plans included a main building with studio space, three guest houses, an exhibition room and a building with a reception, a public kitchen and two toilets. Construction began in February 2017. Due to land problems, work was temporarily suspended. Although an out-of-court settlement was reached, the resulting swap of land would have required a change in the architects' plans. For the time being, only the main building with an apartment and studio was built.
Ousman Cham and I moved in in 2019. He was there from the beginning, at the Tintinto Think Tank and also in construction supervision.
Life in the house proved to be challenging. Since it was remote, I decided to open a space in the city to improve contacts - the Art Space. On this occasion, my now elderly parents bequeathed me their collection, which mainly included prints produced by Griffelkunst.
Unfortunately, the Art Space fell into the Corona period and we had to give it up after a year. Apart from one contact that led to further collaborations, high petrol costs and rent made the Art Space superfluous and so we moved it to the studio of the House of Culture Tintinto.
We looked in vain for people who could help us regularly in the house and garden to relieve us. Over the years it has remained a two-person operation. Nevertheless, friends and acquaintances follow us with benevolent interest and actively support us whenever necessary.
Culture is a broad term. Since I am an artist, the focus is on visual art, but conscious awareness is at the heart of everything we do, whether it's gardening, cooking, listening to music or watching films.
The House of Culture Tintinto is a non-profit organization.
Maren Sanneh, August 2024 |