In a recent interview with Le Matin, Malika Slaoui discussed her initiative 'Nid d'artistes' (Artists' Nest), which she describes as a living archive of Africa. The collection, supported by Bank Of Africa, aims to preserve and promote African cultural narratives from within the continent.
Slaoui emphasized the importance of Africa producing its own cultural stories rather than relying on external perspectives. 'Nid d'artistes' serves as a platform for contemporary African artists, documenting their work and ensuring that the continent's artistic heritage is recorded by its own people.
The project originated in Morocco and has since expanded to include artists from various African countries. It functions as both a physical and digital archive, making African art accessible to a global audience while maintaining local control over the narrative.
According to Slaoui, the initiative addresses a historical imbalance where African art has often been interpreted and displayed by non-African institutions. By creating an archive rooted in African perspectives, 'Nid d'artistes' seeks to empower artists and communities to define their own cultural legacy.
