We Make Book In Douala is a day of reflection bringing together experts and academics from diverse backgrounds. The event focused on art publishing in Cameroon and Africa, with the aim of exploring the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving sector. This gathering highlighted innovative ideas on how African art is documented, disseminated, and preserved through publications.
At the same time, the event also served as a platform to promote the book Anthology: Art from Africa, Its Place in Our Lives and Time, produced by the Goethe-Institut Nigeria and published by Narrative Landscape Press in 2023. This work offers an in-depth exploration of the place of African art in our contemporary lives, providing a critical analysis of artistic practices across the continent. Its presentation helped highlight the richness and diversity of African art, while emphasizing the essential role of publishing in the transmission and recognition of artworks and artistic reflections.
Besides the participation of co-founders Francine Abada and Yves Xavier Ndounda, several renowned experts—such as Dr. Nadine Siegert (art historian and Director of the Goethe-Institut Nigeria), Dr. Narcisse Tchandeu (art historian and lecturer-researcher at the University of Yaoundé 1), Dr. Paul-Henri S. Assako Assako (lecturer-researcher at the University of Yaoundé 1 and Director of the Libre Académie des Beaux-Arts (Laba) in Douala), Thekla Worch Ambara (Director of the Goethe-Institut Cameroon), Annie Josée Njock (Director of Artkontés Editions), and Joseph Omoh Ndukwu (Co-publishing Director of Anthology: Art From Africa Its Place in Our Lives and Times)—enriched the discussions on art publishing in Africa. This day encouraged constructive exchanges on the future of artistic publishing while showcasing works such as Anthology: Art from Africa, Its Place in Our Lives and Time, which underline the importance of African art in contemporary society.
We wish to express our deep gratitude to all speakers and participants who contributed to the success of the We Make Book In Douala day. Your presence and exchanges enriched the discussions around art publishing in Africa and made it possible to envision new perspectives for the future of this discipline. A special thanks to everyone who traveled to meet us. Your contribution to this event is invaluable.
With all our appreciation,
Francine Abada and Yves Xavier Ndounda
Cofounders of Artopia
