By Google Arts & Culture

13 Ways to Celebrate Africa Day

Celebrate Africa and its culture, from contemporary afrobeats to breathtaking natural sights

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"African Woman go dance the fire dance" (2017-12-10)Terra Kulture

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...

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1. Step inside and explore the collections

There are thousands of iconic museums, galleries, and cultural sites in Africa, including Nigeria’s Yemisi Shyllon Museum. Virtually visit 45 cultural institutions across the continent and read over 300 expert-curated stories on art, identity, music, fashion, food and more. 

WUTB pocket gallery

Walk through six 3D virtual galleries

Through an immersive experience, discover some of Africa's art and culture in these Pocket Galleries:
Artology by the University of Pretoria Museums
Mo Amin: Eye of Africa by the Mohamed Amin Foundation
Interwoven Horizons:Bridging Generations by Terra Kulture

and more.

Colours of the invisible (2020) by Selim HarbiDesign Indaba

2. Discover the colours of Africa with Design Indaba

By celebrating the beauty of colour, learn about arts and culture through 60 artists from across the countries in Africa, curated by Design Indaba.
Spin the kaleidoscope to explore how the artists capture the character of their home country through colour.

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3. Learn about the sacred Osun Osogbo groves

Find out more about Nigeria's sacred Yoruba site, and meet the people keeping its spiritual, natural, and artistic legacy alive. You can also pay a virtual visit to the annual Osun Osogbo Festival where the renewal of the towns pact with the Goddess Osun is celebrated.

Beadwork of Maasai Culture (2021) by Vibhor YadavProject FUEL

4. Learn about different African communities

Meet the Maasai people of East Africa and find out about their beadwork, sustainable architecture, traditional Adamu dance and learn how to speak Maa. Or travel into Southern Africa and become inspired by the spirit of Ubuntu  in African craft.

Mali map

5. Discover the magic of Mali

Step into the rich history and heritage of Mali to learn about its manuscripts, music, monuments and modern art. The Malian people’s unbelievable resilience to human and environmental threats, and their unwavering commitment to preserve their heritage will move you.

Empress Catherine (1977) by Mohamed AminMohamed Amin Foundation

6. Take inspiration from a legendary photographer

Discover the works by the  Kenyan hero Mo Amin and learn why he is known as the Eye of Africa. In a bespoke experiment, immerse yourself works spanning his entire career and step behind-the-scenes to uncover his passion, favourite cameras, music taste and unique work ethic.

Copy of Sebaaieni Cave, Ndedema Gorge (2006) by Harold PagerOriginal Source: Rock Art Research Institute

7. Time travel into African creative expression

Journey back in time to discover why Africa is known as the Cradle of Creativity learn about the world's first artist's studio, take in ancient rock art or try out an online experiment using machine learning to decipher ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.

The Superheroes of Kenya (2020) by Shujaa StoriesNational Museums of Kenya

8. 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. 

Nike Davies-Okundaye (2019) by @deeds_artOriginal Source: Homecoming Festival

9. 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 Mama Rachel Ruto's initiative, take in the remarkable story of Queen Tiye and score a goal with a strong women's football team. 

Teni (2020)Terra Kulture

10. 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.

Constitution Hill, JohannesburgSouth African Tourism

Continue your journey to South Africa and feel the urban vibe with musicians Busiswa and Muzi. Let them take you on a personal city tour and learn how Durban and Johannesburg have impacted their lives. 

Walking Towards the Main Door of Gereza Fort in Kilwa Kisiwani (2018-12) by CyArkCyArk

11. 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

12. 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. 

LIFE Photo Collection

13. 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.’ 

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.