The idea

is a platform for transnational artistic exchange in an African-European network, which is supported by the afroTopia e.V. association.

The focus is on the africologneFESTIVAL for contemporary African and Afro-diasporic arts and positions, which is held every two years at various venues in Cologne. In addition to theater, dance and discourse, the program also presents music, media art, dramatic literature, film and visual arts. This provides a platform for a wide range of artistic creation in different social contexts.

From the very beginning, the basic concerns of africologne and afroTopia e.V. have included multi-perspectivity in terms of content and aesthetics, enlightening perspectives and the preservation of diversity. The themes that africologne presents are set by the artists. Telling history/stories yourself means determining history/stories yourself. The arts and artists play an important role in these processes. They can open up new spaces for reflection in a visionary and imaginative way. The aim of africologne is to convey more complex images, to make other narratives tangible and to show different perspectives on socio-political contexts and topics. We want to enable a change of perspective and allow for differences without separating ourselves from one another.

africologne establishes transcultural exchange across continents through intensive collaboration. Art in an anti-colonial context demands respect and appreciation. The increasing networking has arisen from the mutual trust that has grown over the years in sustainable working contacts, which characterize the work of afroTopia e.V.. We are continuously expanding our transnational collaborations and co-productions with African and European as well as local and regional artists and partners.

With introductions and follow-up discussions, we offer our audience easier access and suggestions for in-depth experiences. Engaging with other ways of thinking and perceiving requires curiosity and the openness to question one’s own thought patterns. It is about penetrating social developments that cannot be understood independently of each other. africologne wants to facilitate critical debates and the discovery of common themes in order to learn from and with each other. For an equal, respectful and empathetic coexistence in a global world community.