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Ivoirian gallerists and artists during the assembly (Photo: Soro Yacouba/US Embassy)

Federation of Artists and Artisans of Cote d’Ivoire Launched

The Federation of Artists and Artisans of Cote d’Ivoire (FEDARTCI) was launched on December 2 at the American Embassy. The inauguration came after cultural envoy Ed Johnetta Miller conducted two-day workshops in October in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro and Bouake. During her workshops, she encouraged Ivorian artists and artisans to join forces to better publicize their products and establish commercial relationships with American businesses and institutions. Less than two months later, the sessions’ participants created FEDARTCI, an NGO whose goals include the promotion of Ivorian art, training for Ivorian artists, and developing commercial and professional relations with the United States. 

Ambassador Aubrey Hooks, Ivorian Minister of Tourism and Artisans Koné Amadou, and other government officials attended the inauguration ceremony, during which the group formally ratified a constitution and drafted documentation to formally register the association. The governing board of the NGO was also elected. Members are tasked to begin activities that include, among other things, developing the organization’s already-functional website (http://Fedartci.blogspot.com), working with an American NGO, and working on developing business relationships.