Today is Africa Day. Formerly known as African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity.
Google has chosen to celebrate this day with a number of initiatives including the launch of 6 New Pocket Galleries and Africa Day playlist.
Launch of 6 New Pocket Galleries
The Tech giant announced the launch of six exciting new pocket galleries on Google Arts & Culture, which were expertly curated by Google’s partners in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. The pocket gallery is a feature on the Google Arts & Culture app, that offers an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional exhibitions. Using augmented reality, you can simply pull out your phone and step into a virtual exhibition space, allowing you to see all the captivating artworks, artefacts, and immersive experiences as if you were physically there.
The Pocket galleries are as follows:
- In Nigeria, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum has curated two remarkable exhibitions. “Water Under The Bridge: An Exploration of Migration and Memory” takes you on a thought-provoking journey through the works of Nigerian artists, exploring themes of identity and authenticity. “Foundations of Contemporary Art in Nigeria” celebrates the evolution of Nigerian contemporary art, from its colonial roots to vibrant postcolonial modernism, showcasing the trailblazing works of Nigerian art pioneers.
- In Nigeria as well, Terra Kulture presents “Interwoven Horizons: Bridging Generations,” a celebration of two generations of Nigerian artists – Baby Boomers and Gen Z – showcasing their unique artistic styles, techniques, and mediums.
- In Kenya, the Mohamed Amin Foundation presents “Mohamed Amin: Eye of Africa,” an extraordinary collection of photographs capturing the essence of Africa from the 1940s to the Ethiopian famine, encompassing the East African safari rally, 70s fashion, Hajj pilgrimage, Africa’s independence, and more.
- Meanwhile, the National Museums of Kenya invites you to explore the “Living Forests,” an enchanting exhibition that deepens your understanding of the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests in Kenya, unveiling their ecological wonders, cultural significance, and historical narratives.
- Lastly, the University of Pretoria in South Africa proudly presents “Artology,” a collection of iconic works by renowned artists such as Irma Stern, Lucky Sibiya, Sydney Kumalo, and William Kentridge.
These captivating artworks weave together the complex tapestry of South Africa’s art history, narrating stories from diverse perspectives and experiences across different periods.
The Africa Day Playlist on YouTube Music
Google has also launched an Africa Day playlist on YouTube Music, featuring the most popular and trending songs from various African artists. People have the chance to contribute to the Africa Day playlist by submitting their favourite African songs via YouTube Shorts.
Stories and Storytellers of Africa
The “Stories and Storytellers of Africa” initiative is a celebration of the vibrant narratives and talented storytellers from Africa. Google celebrates the remarkable creators who are dedicated to showcasing Africa’s richness through the art of storytelling. The tech giant honours their commitment by highlighting this exceptional catalogue, inviting viewers to delve into narratives that ignite dialogue and foster understanding of the continent’s diverse cultures, histories, and experiences.
Through Google’s “Showcase Your Africa” storytelling series on YouTube, it invites content creators, influencers, and individuals to share their unique African stories and experiences. Google hopes to create a platform for people to tell their own stories in their own words, and in doing so, to share the rich tapestry of African culture with the world
