The Shepherd
Africa on Canvas is a great not-for-profit organization based out of Calgary whose mission is “to actively promote African art and culture in a way that raises social consciousness and makes a contribution back to Tanzanian society.”
From the Africa On Canvas website:
Africa on Canvas works directly with artists in Tanzania ensuring that all artwork is purchased at fair market values. Proceeds generated from the sale of artwork by Africa on Canvas are donated back to the Engorrata E Ngia Secondary School for Maasai girls in Northern Tanzania.
Liz Duerholt, who operates Africa on Canvas, spoke to me about the project:
A few years ago while traveling around Tanzania I saw that there was a unique opportunity to promote the region’s spectacular artwork at the same time as supporting local secondary education.
I operated the project out of my home at no profit and my focus is to work directly with artists to promote fair trade practices. I work mainly with the Tingatinga Arts Cooperative, importing vibrant paintings that are unique to this East African country. Paintings from this group have been on exhibit in numerous places around the world including Switzerland, Germany, New York and Tokyo.
Zebra Safari
The art available at Africa on Canvas is vibrant, unique, and tells a story that isn’t often seen in the Calgary art world. It is a reflection of a country that we don’t often have a chance to see and that in itself is worth taking a look. The website has a great selection of art, both currently in stock and sold.
While the best part of what Africa on Canvas does is help support the Engorrata E Ngia Secondary School in Tanzania, this is a fabulous opportunity to find unique, original art at extremely affordable prices.
You can learn more about the school and the students being helped on the Africa on Canvas website: www.africaoncanvas.ca.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I think your blog is a valuable resource for people involved in the Calgary arts community and I’m glad to have stumbled over it. And of course I find it very rewarding to see Africa on Canvas getting recognition on the local art scene. Thanks for your article!
Hello, excellent that you are giving to the people in Northern Tanzania! I thought you might be interested in attending my fund raiser on June 25th at the Renfrew Community Centre in Calgary from 7-9.
This fundraiser/silent auction is to generate awareness of what is happening in Uganda and to get finacial support for my mission with Action International Ministries. My ministry will not be limited to Uganda I will also travel to Kenya, Congo and Tanzania.
Maybe you would like to place your art in the silent auction of course all the proceeds from your art work would go directly back to the artist and in turn to Tanzinia!
If you would like more information please call me at 403-477-4347.
Blessings, Kathy Matthews
That’s really nice, i think it encourages even more people to do the same and it is a good way that you have shown to show appreciation to the African community through art.Your ideas about the project are spectacular well, all we need is to help you get more audience and surely we will do that.
keep it up aficaoncanvas!