TESITO ART GALLERY
“Ligaye Jot Na”
Tesito Art Gallery is an art business set up by prominent Gambian artists to create a platform where they can showcase and sell their works. The gallery was founded by Micheal Manga (KUNA) with the support of Malick Ceesay a friend/comrade and partner in the arts for so many years. After long years of closed collaboration in the arts, the two decided to come together and forge a genuine partnership for research/ development and the exchange of ideas on new trends in the arts. Presently, more focus is based on marketing, networking and sales of art works hence the main idea behind the setting up of this gallery. The specific aim and objective of Tesito Art Gallery is to create a revolution in the arts in the Gambia thereby creating a reliable market to ensure a sustainable income generating venture for the gallery and its stable of artists. The gallery focuses on both foreign and home-based collectors and art lovers to broaden its base as well as promote a local market for Gambians wishing to venture into the art of collecting art; especially Gambian art.
OBJECTIVES
The specific aim and objective of Tesito Art Gallery is to create a revolution in the arts in the Gambia. The gallery is solely set up to showcase and sell qualitative art of professional standardas well as provide vision and direction for the fine arts in the Gambia.
OBJECTIVES
The main mission of Tesito Art Gallery is to create a reliable market to ensure a sustainable income generating venture for the gallery and its stable of artists. The gallery focuses on both foreign and home-based collectors and art lovers to broaden its base as well as promote a local market for Gambians wishing to venture into the art of collecting art; especially Gambian art.
VISION
To create highly qualitative art works of professional standard for a viable art market. Be part of the discourse to change the narrative about the role of art and culture to our socio-economic growth and development. Promote and encourage the development of artistic talents through the transfer of knowledge and artistic skills to the next generation most especially to kids.
AIMS and OBJECTIVES:
- To promote the interest of the gallery and its artists both locally and internationally
- To promote the creation of qualitative works of art and ensure high standards are always applied especially in the presentation of works.
- To create a network for the gallery and its artists and encourage cultural exchange and cooperation amongst artists and galleries.
- Offer advice and seek legal assistance for the artists on copyright infringements and other legal issues that relate to their profession. In this regard Tesito Art Gallery will always encourage and promote the creation and production of original works of art from its artists.
- To promote, foster understanding and collaboration among artists of the gallery and the artistic community both in the Gambia and beyond.
- To preserve our national cultural heritage in the arts; act as activist/ ambassador in the promotion and development of Gambian art.
- Keep the works of Gambian Artists alive.
- To foster Unity among Artists.
- The gallery to serve as home for display, promotion of the works of the Artists; provide meeting place to bring artists together.
- Collaborate with artists/associations/galleries to boost the art of creativity and innovation through workshops and joint art exhibitions and exchanges.
PARTNERSHIP
To attain its goals Tesito Art Gallery aims to form partnership and cooperation with stakeholders in the arts and private sector as well as philanthropists and donor agencies. The gallery will serve as a meeting point for member artists as well as lovers of the arts. The gallery will also serve as a secretariat to oversee the day-to-day affairs of the gallery/partner artists. It is believed that every child is an artist and so therefore, the gallery will also partner with schools (especially nursery schools) to explore/identify, develop and nurture artistic talents in children. This will be done through art education, open air painting/drama workshops, storytelling and culturaldisplays to expose to children the importance of art and culture to the social wellbeing
of the individual.
AREARS of INTERVENTION
Part of funds of the gallery raised through art exhibitions and other projects with also support from its partners will be used in the following areas of intervention: –
- Administration and day-to-day operations of the gallery.
- Programs (art exhibitions, workshops, talent shows etc.)
- Art education.
- Scholarship to needy students (cooperate social responsibility).
- Membership welfare and training.
- Art materials.
- Art competitions.
- Art award ceremonies to recognize excellence. of the individual.
SUMMARY
In summarizing, Tesito Art Gallery intends to occupy the space and be part of the movers and shakers of the art industry in the Gambia and offer its part of the story of what Gambia has on offer to the art world. The gallery intends to echo its part of the narrative through every brush stroke in its paintings that art is alive in the Gambia. As our motto states: “Ligaye Jot Na” indeed it is time for work. It’s time for an art adventure!!