Women dressed in Adire attire and raising a piece of Adire fabric (2019)The Centenary Project
Celebrate Africa Day by exploring the continent's art and culture through a new lens. Scroll down and click the links to get the party started...
1. Step inside and explore the collections
There are thousands of iconic museums, galleries, and cultural sites in Africa, including Kenya's African Heritage House. Virtually visit 32 cultural institutions across the continent and read over 300 expert-curated stories on art, identity, music, fashion, food and more.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (2017) by Blackwell & RuthOriginal Source: 200 Women
2. Be inspired by Africa's trailblazing women
Let the voices of women past and present inspire you. Meet a courageous freedom fighter, let Mama Nike ignite your creativity, learn about activist Winnie Mandela's bravery, take in the remarkable story of Queen Tiye and score a goal with a strong women's football team.
The Superheroes of Kenya (2020) by Shujaa StoriesNational Museums of Kenya
3. Which Kenyan superhero are you?
Step back in time with 61 Kenyan heroes and discover how they fought for their communities’ land, freedom and spiritual well-being. Take the quiz to find out who your super alter-ego would be.
Black Panther, Comp by Osborne Macharia
Drawing on Afrofuturism, be inspired by artists from the diaspora and Osborne Macharia to create your own Afrofuturist world. Release your inner superpowers and let your imagination be your guide.
Teni's Creative Journey (2021)Terra Kulture
4. Feel the buzz of Africa's most populous city
Step inside Lagos, Nigeria's most populous city, with Èkó for Show, and let over 100 creatives inspire you. Start singing Afrobeat tunes with Teni, paint the lagoon with Victor Ehikamenor, meet the stars of Nollywood with Iké Udé and let Davido inspire your taste buds.
Perspectives x Busiswa: Johannesburg, South Africa
NO ! UNDERSTAND (1995) by Cheik-LedyContemporary African Art Collection - The Jean Pigozzi Collection
5. Place an African masterpiece in your home
Search for your favorite African artist and click on the Art Projector feature to display their artwork infront of you. Start with paintings by Ali Omar Ermes, Ben Enwonwu, Mohammed Khadda, Nja Mahdaoui, Wangechi Mutu, William Kentridge and Wosene Worke Kosrof.
Pigozzi Collection: Installation
Explore more about contemporary African art and its artists by visiting Jean Pigozzi’s Pocket Gallery in augmented reality. Can you spot the paintings by artist Chéri Samba and Esther Mahlangu?
South Africa: A place of many names by Siphokazi Jonas
6. Feel the power of African literature
Let poet Siphokazi Jonas' love letter to her home country inspire you, and learn more about what identity means to author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o.
Celebrate Africa’s greatest stories by joining the #AfricaReads challenge with YouTube. Share a video of you reading a book by your favourite African author or watch how people across the continent came together to read Lọlá Shónẹ́yìn's novel 'The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives.'
Fabricius: Learn, Play, and Work
7. Crack the hieroglyphic code
Still curious about words and languages? We challenge you to crack the hieroglyphic code from Ancient Egypt with the AI-powered tool Fabricius. You can also use emojis to create secret codes with friends.
Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, South AfricaSouth African Tourism
8. Go on a wildlife adventure
Africa is home to some of the world's most extraordinary wildlife and nature. Learn more about the importance of conservation with the last male northern white rhino or join a virtual game to meet Africa's big five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo.
Continue your adventure by taking in the beauty and majesty of Africa from the top. Virtually climb the Great Pyramid of Giza or learn more about Africa's spectacular mountains, including the Kilimanjaro, Mount Patti and the Table Mountain.
Walking Towards the Main Door of Gereza Fort in Kilwa Kisiwani (2018-12) by CyArkCyArk
9. Join the movement to preserve Africa’s wonders
Climate change is impacting nature, historical sites and communities across the continent. Be inspired by the people of Kilwa Kisiwani in Tanzania, and learn how planting mangrove trees and using technology can help save historical ruins and communities.
Ibeji (brothers) (2019) by Stephen TayoOriginal Source: Homecoming Festival
10. Turn your lens on Africa
Join Africa's photographers in capturing and sharing culture in new ways. Be inspired by legendary photojournalist James Barnor, take a look back at 10 years of LagosPhoto Festival and learn how to turn the street into a runway with Stephen Tayo.
11. Explore Black history beyond the continent
African culture has had a transformative impact on the world and keeps fuelling creativity in the diaspora. Join rapper Nas in paying homage to the long tradition of Black musicians and storytellers who inspire us to this day.
BS2, RESIST & REVOLT BLACK HISTORY, LIVE TRANSMISSION, Bristol Art Weekender, BEEF studios, Bristol, UK by Libita ClayonSomerset House
Learn more about black history and culture in the United States, the United Kingdom or explore 50 years of black creativity through the exhibition ‘Get Up, Stand Up Now.’
12. Celebrate the best of Africa with YouTube
Watch Africa’s greatest musicians come together for the “Africa Day Benefit Concert” with DJ and actor Idris Elba. Listen to the playlist and get to know Africa’s next wave of talent making their mark on the global stage.
