What Water residence in Bandjoun Station

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From November 1st to 31st, 2024, Bandjoun Station, an iconic art center in Cameroon, hosted an artist residency. This project was made possible through a partnership between What Water and the Jean Félicien Gacha Foundation. Creators from around the world participated in this unique event. The main goal was to explore the theme of water through art. It also aimed to raise awareness of sustainable development issues. Finally, the residency highlighted the importance of access to clean water.

Article Summary

-Since 2022, What Water has committed to providing sustainable access to clean water for 8 million Cameroonians by 2030. The initiative combines art with innovative infrastructure, focusing on SDGs 6 and 17.

-Created by Barthélémy Toguo, Bandjoun Station hosted What Water artists in November. This space fostered creativity and cultural exchanges between international and Cameroonian artists.

-During their residency, artists explored the theme of water. They delved into its value and challenges using various techniques.

-The residency featured collective creations and workshops with the Gacha Foundation. Artists also immersed themselves in What Water’s projects, enriching their artistic reflection and work.

-In mid-November, an exhibition at the Gacha Foundation took place. Later, a final presentation at Bandjoun Station showcased the artists’ creations.

1 - Discover what whater

Since 2022, the What Water association has been actively working to ensure that vulnerable Cameroonian populations have long-term access to drinkable water. based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (ODD). The ODD 6 “Eau propre et assainissement” and ODD 17 “Partenariats pour la réalisation des objectifs” are specifically highlighted by her.

What Water’s stated goal is to supply 8 million people with drinkable water by 2030. Their approach combines creativity and innovation to achieve this goal. She does, in fact, want to become more sensitive through art. This consequently leads to the development of intelligent hydraulic infrastructure.

You can find all the useful information on whatwater.org.

2 - What Water finds a setting for creation

Bandjoun Station, which was created by Cameroonian artist Barthélémy Toguo, is more than just a conventional art center. Ideally situated on the high plateaus of western Cameroon, it provides an inspiring and welcoming environment for cultural exchanges. This area welcomes artists in a setting that fosters full creative expression.

Beginning on November 2, the first foreign residents returned to Bandjoun Station. The beginning of this unique experience was marked by Rafael Springer (Luxembourg), Mary Dale Melisa Madanamootoo (Île Maurice), Matthieu Sauveur Max Delfini (France), and Fabien Laurent Bruttin (Suisse).

Eventually, some Cameroonian artists joined them, adding to the group’s diversity. Within a lively and cooperative community, Alida Ymelé, Raoul Wansi, Dieudonné Djiela, Winnie Songmene, and Lauriane Yougang have combined their abilities. These artists have given rise to a collective emulation rich in innovative ideas under the watchful eye of the Bandjoun Station team.

3 - What Water: Water, source of inspiration

As the conductor of this residence, the theme of water has inspired a variety of artistic explorations. While some artists have depicted water as a source of life and a symbol of purity, others have highlighted the daily struggles local populations face in accessing it.

They used a variety of mediums, such as painting, photography, or even mixed techniques, to express their ideas. Each artist has used their sensibility to reflect how they perceive the issues surrounding water.

4 - Workshops and fruitful exchanges for the artists of What Water

The residence has evolved from a simple individual creation to a place of collective exchange. In collaboration with the Jean Félicien Gacha Foundation, collaborative workshops were held to encourage the exchange of artistic perspectives and practices. These exchanges have allowed each to grow mutually while expanding their practice.

Residents have also investigated What Water’s infrastructure, which is intended to supply drinkable water to underprivileged populations. This on-the-ground experience has prompted their reflection and provided a more tangible understanding of the potential influence of their art.

assise travail d un artiste de what water a bandjoun station

travail d un artiste de what water a bandjoun station

5 - Capsule exhibition and final rendition of What Water

An exhibition capsule was held at the Gacha Foundation in mid-November to provide the local people a preview of the ongoing creations. Young people, especially those involved, had the chance to learn about the theme of water and have conversations about it. This event has marked a significant moment, fostering interest and discussion about this important issue.

On November 28, a final reparation was held at Bandjoun Station to close the residence. The artists have shown their works, which are the culmination of months of rigorous research and work. This occasion has honored the variety of approaches and the wealth of artistic styles used.

6 - Positive results and prospects

This residence has shown great success, providing artists from diverse backgrounds with a mutually inspiring and exchanging space. Additionally, she has dedicated her art to a universal and vital cause: universal access to drinkable water.

The works created during this creative month will aim to raise public awareness while also assisting in the collection of funds for What Water’s activities. They demonstrate the artists’ deep commitment and desire to create a more just and sustainable world.

Finally, this residence represents a significant milestone in the collaboration between What Water, Bandjoun Station, and the Jean Félicien Gacha Foundation. There will undoubtedly be more artistic endeavors in the future, advancing this fruitful conversation between artistic creation and social participation.