The Arete Arts Foundation

Over the last 4 years I have become more and more interested in the beautiful and diverse culture and environment in Africa. I have been lucky enough to visit a few times and photograph some of the most incredible charitable foundations, have been on the most incredible safari’s where I have learned about the impressive wildlife and I have been lucky enough to meet and photograph some very remote tribes in areas where few people have visited. It has been an inspiring journey.

One for the people who has helped connect me a great deal in Africa and who has been an inspiration and an education is my good friend and co-founder of the Arete Arts Foundation, Emilia Keladitis.

Emilia grew up in Botswana and throughout her career has retained close ties with supporting not-for-profit organisations in a voluntary capacity. So it was not a surprise to me when she co-founded the Arete Arts Foundation.

Their community provides platforms to amplify the voices and messages of contemporary African artists through exhibitions and small private events. Through their foundation, they provide small grant support for creative initiatives across the African continent that use art to connect and engage people and advance their social and environmental impact. They select art projects which deepen our relationships and which create more inclusive and sustainable communities.

Arete Arts Foundation believe in supporting art at the grassroots and say “Art is a powerful way to engage people emotionally and deepen the discourse around social and environmental topics. Art can provide an entry point for reflection and debate that ultimately changes the way we think about issues – which can then lead to action. Art also welcomes a plurality of perspectives. We select projects that use art to create more inclusive and sustainable communities.

It’s a fantastic foundation and vision and I am very excited to already be involved in a very special book project. The inaugural publication ‘Afroprophetic: Art Transforming Minds and Nature’ celebrates African contemporary art and explores the theme of climate change, Africa’s natural resources and biodiversity and humanity’s relationship with nature.

All profits from the sale of the book will fund grassroots arts projects across Africa. It is an absolutely beautiful book which explores the theme of climate change, Africa’s natural resources and biodiversity and humanity’s relationship with nature.

Featured artists include John Akomfrah RA, El Anatsui, Dr. Serge Attukwei Clottey, Sokari Douglas Camp CBE, Romuald Hazoumé, Abdoulaye Konate, Wangechi Mutu, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, Pascale Marthine Tayou, Barthélémy Toguo. I felt privileged to have photography I have taken in Africa featured alongside such incredible artists. And I would be extremely excited and grateful if you were to purchase a copy.

Profits will support featured projects such as Art with a Mission (Rwanda), Mapula Embroidery Trust (South Africa), Ocean Sole (Kenya), AFRISOS scholarships (pan-African) and the museum outreach programme of Palais de Lomé. The series of launch events are made possible through the support of Christie’s, corporate sponsors and friends of Arete Arts Foundation.

You can follow on Instagram @arete.arts.foundation 

You can order your copy of the book here