Les Ateliers SAHM - Contemporary Art Center, Brazzaville
Les Ateliers SAHM – Contemporary Art Center, Brazzaville
Type: Contemporary art residency with annual international gathering
Location: Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Founded: September 2012
Founder/Director: Bill Kouélany (artist, writer, 2019 Prince Claus Award winner)
Status: ACTIVE – ongoing programming
Quick Facts:
📍 Address: Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (exact address on website)
🌐 Website: http://www.lesatelierssahm.org
📱 Contact: Through website contact form
📧 Social Media: Search “Les Ateliers SAHM” on Facebook and Instagram
🎨 Disciplines: Visual arts (all media), video, performance, installation, literature, art criticism, theater, music
🌍 Open To: Congolese artists + International artists + Pan-African artists
Program Structure:
Two Main Components:
1. RIAC (Rencontre Internationale de l’Art Contemporain)
- Annual month-long gathering every September since 2012
- 70+ artists and art critics from 10+ countries
- Intensive workshops: painting, video/photo, art criticism, performance, poetry slam, professional development
- International expert facilitators
- Culminates in exhibitions with prize awards
- 2018 example: 72 participants from Congo-Brazzaville, DRC, Senegal, Mali, Cameroon, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Tunisia, Italy, France, Egypt
2. Residency Program
- Variable duration (project-dependent)
- Workspace and studio access
- Materials and equipment provided
- Mentorship from Bill Kouélany and visiting experts
- Integration with RIAC programming when timing aligns
- Exhibition opportunities
- Documentation and visibility
Facilities:
✅ Exhibition and screening room
✅ Space for art criticism
✅ Media archive
✅ 4 workshop rooms
✅ Outdoor esplanade for events
✅ Equipment and materials during workshops
✅ Workspace adapted to different disciplines
What They Support:
- Contemporary art (NOT traditional Poto-Poto styles)
- Installation, video, performance work
- Experimental and conceptual practices
- Emerging and mid-career artists
- Women artists (specific scholarships/support)
- Community engagement projects
- Pan-African artistic dialogue
Additional Programs:
Bana’arts Project (since 2016): Children’s arts education initiative (‘Bana’ = children in Lingala)
Dak’Art Participation (since 2014): SAHM presents Congolese artists at Dakar Biennale OFF program biannually
Funding & Support:
SAHM receives support from:
- Almayuda Foundation (Netherlands – primary supporter since 2018)
- Institut Français du Congo (regular RIAC partner)
- Goethe-Institut (specific projects like Dresden exchange)
- Prince Claus Fund connections
For Applicants: Funding arrangements vary by project, artist origin, and available grants. Some scenarios:
- RIAC participants: Selected artists typically receive full support (accommodation, meals, materials, exhibition)
- International residencies: May need to cover travel/living expenses; SAHM provides workspace, materials, mentorship
- African artists: May receive partial support depending on project alignment with partner priorities
How to Apply:
Recommended Approach:
- Research SAHM thoroughly (website, social media, Contemporary And platform coverage)
- Contact directly expressing interest in residency or RIAC participation
- Provide: portfolio, CV, project proposal, statement of interest
- Explain why Brazzaville context essential for your work
- Demonstrate commitment to exchange, learning, community engagement
- Lead time: 6+ months before desired residency period
RIAC Application: Watch for annual open call announcements (typically summer for September program)
Best For:
✅ Contemporary artists working across all media
✅ Artists interested in pan-African networks
✅ Practitioners committed to community engagement
✅ Those working beyond traditional painting
✅ Artists seeking mentorship and professional development
✅ Emerging artists building international careers
✅ Projects addressing post-conflict themes, urban transformation, African identity
NOT Ideal For:
❌ Artists only interested in traditional Poto-Poto painting styles
❌ Those seeking luxurious accommodations
❌ Artists unwilling to engage with community
❌ Those expecting fully funded international travel (varies)
❌ Artists unable to work collaboratively
Why It Matters: Les Ateliers SAHM is Congo-Brazzaville’s ONLY contemporary art center and represents most significant artist-led infrastructure in Republic of Congo. Founded specifically because “there’s not much in the Congo, no galleries, no institutions and no state support.”