Art and culture are essential elements in a sustainable human development process. This is what Africalia stands for, running result-based programmes conceived in collaboration with its partners in Africa. This philosophy is in line with: the Millennium Development Goals; the Paris Declaration on aid efficiency; the UNESCO Convention on cultural diversity. Largely supported by the Belgian Development Cooperation, Africalia equally subscribes to the European Development Aid policies.
Culture is intimately linked with creativity; it stimulates intercultural dialogue and increases positive identity awareness. Culture also represents market potential and educational value, so it can play a considerable part in the fight against poverty. Moreover, culture acts on behavioural change. Through its three-year programmes, Africalia supports professional organizations and networks in Africa that contribute to the flourishing of artists, that in turn play their social and societal role in strengthening democracies.
