experiments in crosscultural practices is an organization enabling cultural exchange between countries that have radically different outsets of cultural values and traditions and that can help each other develop and empower free artistic expression.

 

The organization grew out of several visits and cultural exchanges in Mali and Sweden since 2009.
In 2011 Arijana Kajfes, Swedish artist and founder of exp assembled a group of artists and cultural workers in both countries to discuss the possibilities of developing long- term collaboration. exp became formally registered (non-profit organization) in Sweden in 2012 and is led by:

 

Arijana Kajfes
visual artist working with three dimensional and electronic media, has participated in several cross-disciplinary research projects, exhibits and teaches in Sweden and internationally. Travelled and worked in different parts of Africa 93-94 and has developed artwork in Mali since 2009.
www.arijana.net

 

Eva Lotta Holm-Flach
gallerist in Stockholm and project leader, has organized several art projects between Mali and Sweden since 2009.
www.galleriflach.com

 

Filippa von Krusenstjerna
visual artist working with sculpture and public art, teaches in Sweden has recently resided in Bamako where her husband, Sven Widerberg, was employed at the Swedish Embassy (2011-12).

The projects created through exp are hosted and organized by representatives from both Sweden and Mali:

 

 

Joakim Samson
visual artist and board member of The Artist’s Collective Workshop (KKV) in Stockholm, an organization open to artists, providing work space and equipment as a unique resource for its members. Has made several road trips from Sweden to Mali.

 

Katarina Tobé

architect who has worked with several projects in Mali and with African cultural organizations in Sweden - Selam, CinemAfrica and Afrikultur.

 

Fatoumata Diabaté
photographer working both in Mali and internationally, co-organizer for exp in Bamako. Recently artist-in-residence at Cité des Arts in Paris, where she has worked and exhibited on several occasions.
fatoumatadiabate.com

 

Igo Diarra
cultural entrepreneur in Mali and head of the cultural centre La Médina in Bamako which presents both literary and art events.
https://www.facebook.com/M%C3%A9dina-Art-Culture-165786943625972/

 

Hama Goro
visual artist, studied at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam (95-97) and head of the cultural centre Soleil d¹Afrique in Bamako which organizes international exchanges with focus on video art.
www.soleildafrique.org

 

 

Contacts have also been made with institutions of higher education in art and architecture in Bamako:
Conservatoire des Arts et Multimédia and Ecole Superieure d¹Ingenierie, d¹Architecture et d¹Urbanisme through Abdoulaye Konaté (head of CAM) and Ousmane Diané (professor at ESIAU).

 

 

exp is a non-profit organization relying on funding and donations from private and public sources. We welcome project sponsors.
Our aim is to find a sustainable financial situation for the organization and the projects, so that it can grow and develop in the coming years and become a meaningful contribution to strengthen cross-cultural practices and intellectual exchange and development.

Individuals are welcome to become supporting members of the organization by paying 300Skr annually at plusgiro 656177-3  (in Sweden). Supporting members can apply to our Bamako artist residency (see RESIDENCY).

Please contact us for further information.