Artists from across the North West Region have gathered at the Regional Delegation of Arts and Culture in Bamenda this Sunday, 12 October, for a unique opportunity to explore ways of securing grants that could take their craft to the national stage.
Partial view of artists dueing the session
The event, an information session and artistic showcase, was organised by the Cameroonian Cultural Network (CCN) in partnership with La Liberté Arts Group. This is the first time CCN has brought such an initiative to Bamenda, with the aim of bridging the gap between local artists and substantial financial opportunities.
Leading the session was Akumbu Jones of La Liberté Arts Group and a member of CCN, who introduced the audience to the wide range of grants available through CCN, ranging from 2 million to 10 million FCFA. These grants, Akumbu explained, not only provide financial support but also offer artists the chance to tour at least four cultural regions across Cameroon, expanding their reach and influence.
"The grants are designed to help artists grow, not just financially but by providing exposure on a national level," Akumbu said.
He outlined the procedures for applying, detailing eligibility criteria, and emphasised that although this was the first information session held in Bamenda, at least three artists from the North West had already benefited from the scheme in the last five years.
However, Akumbu admitted that the lack of information had held many North West and South West artists back.
"This session was necessary to improve access to information and opportunities," he noted.
He advised the artists in attendance to pay close attention to the technical aspects of their craft, such as stage management, lighting, and sound systems which he said ate key factors that could make their performances stand out.
One recurring concern raised during the session was the absence of a dedicated cultural centre in Bamenda. Akumbu expressed frustration over the lack of such a facility, which he described as a major limitation for artists in the region.
"Without a proper space for rehearsals and events, our artists are at a disadvantage," he lamented, although he expressed confidence that if local talent applied for the grants, at least four artists from the region would be successful.
The session attracted a diverse group of artists, from dance and theatre troupes to painters, poets, and live musicians: all areas of interest for CCN.
Fokumla Magloire Babila aka Mag-Bila, a previous grant winner from 2022, shared his experience of touring with the Bamenda Dancers Troupe across the country.
"It was an amazing opportunity," Magbila said, adding that the grant covered all their expenses.
"The platform allowed us to market ourselves and gain exposure," he encouraged his peers to apply when the next round of grants opens.
Mag-Bila echoed Akumbu’s call for a cultural centre in Bamenda, stressing that such a facility would provide artists with the space and resources necessary to prepare properly for performances.
Group picture of artists at the the event
As the event drew to a close, the need for a cultural hub in Bamenda became a central talking point. With the session inspiring new ambitions and revealing untapped opportunities, the artists left with renewed motivation: and a shared vision of what Bamenda’s cultural future could be.
Spoken word artists and poets, Mottanni and Keshia legacy along side other artist made the information session and artistic afternoon fun-filled and worthy of remembrance.
By Bakah Derick
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