Preservation & Custodianship
Supporting responsible care and documentation of cultural objects, with respect for the rights and perspectives of originating communities.
AFRICAN-LED · BAMAKO · SHARED HERITAGE
Pan-African Cultural Heritage Preservation Initiative
An African-led vision rooted in Bamako: safeguarding cultural heritage, honoring the knowledge of source communities, and creating new opportunities for research, education, and transmission.
OUR PURPOSE / NOTRE ENGAGEMENT
Heritage belongs in the conversation about its future.
The initiative seeks to support ethical documentation, responsible custodianship, and meaningful collaboration between African institutions, traditional knowledge holders, scholars, and communities across the continent and diaspora.
THREE PILLARS
Preserve · Research · Share
Knowledge & Education
Connecting objects to historical context, oral knowledge, scholarship, and bilingual publications for future generations.
African-Led Collaboration
Developing a cultural platform in Bamako for dialogue and partnerships with institutions, researchers, communities, and the diaspora.
OUR APPROACH
Respectful, collaborative, and grounded in Africa
The initiative advocates the recognition of source communities and the responsible stewardship of privately held cultural collections. It does not presume that all private collections are state property, nor does it claim partnerships or endorsements that have not been formally established.
AN INVITATION TO DIALOGUE
Together for future generations
We welcome conversations with cultural institutions, scholars, custodians, educators, philanthropists, and members of African communities and the diaspora who share a commitment to the responsible preservation of heritage.
The museum building in Bamako has been constructed; public opening and further activities remain in preparation.