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1 Ecole du Patrimoine Africain at the service of development © EPA
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Ecole du Patrimoine Africainat the service of development
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From its inception in 1998, Ecole du Patrimoine Africain - EPA has sought to become a centre of reference and cultural in-formation at the service of institutions, heritage professionals, communities and cultural personnel throughout the African continent. In the context of sustainable development, EPA has always been poised to regularly adapt its vision and mission to the changing needs in the field. In its 14 years of activities, EPA has become a platform for consultation and a reference point for people of culture and the African communities.
In light of the many challenges for growth in Africa, that can translate into socio-political, economic crises and problems of identity, we are more convinced than ever of the key role played by cultural heritage in economic and social develop-ment. In addition to its role as a catalyst for new economic sectors in Africa, the dual nature of cultural heritage encom-passes both tangible and intangible, and means that it is a vital source of creativity, of mutual discovery, of affirmation of identity, of pride, and of national cohesion and brand image. Through the preservation and enhancement of all the com-ponents of heritage, EPA contributes to the improvement of living conditions in communities and to the emergence of a fruitful dialogue between peoples.
In the coming years, the greatest challenge for EPA will be to integrate cultural heritage and its preservation into the priori-ties of African countries, including its integration into school programmes, by demonstrating its essential place in policy development.
EPA’S VISION
Baba Keita
Director of EPA
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Tiébélé woman decorating her house, Burkina Faso
EPA course in the framework of its major programme “Museums for Development”, Cameroon
Msem Todjom Festival, Bandjoun high chiefdom, Cameroon
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EPA AT A GLANCE
Twenty French-speaking countries
Benin Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Comoros Côte d’Ivoire Democratic Republic of Congo Gabon Guinea Madagascar Mali Mauritius Mauritania Niger Rwanda Senegal Togo
The Centre for Heritage Development in Africa - CHDA, a sister institution of EPA based in Mombasa, Kenya, was created in 2000 and develops activities for English-speaking countries.
Six Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries
Angola Cape Verde Equatorial Guinea Guinea Bissau Mozambique São Tomé and Príncipe
One branch of EPA in Libreville, Gabon, assisting in the implementation of EPA activities in Central Africa.
■■ 26 sub-Saharan African countries benefit from the activities of this regional school.
■■ More than 20 African professionals from several countries comprise the EPA team.
■■ More than 3,000 publications in the Resource Centre on all topics dealing with cultural heritage.
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Dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage, Ecole du Patrimoine Africain - EPA, is a post-graduate university for professionals already working in the cultural heritage sector. EPA was created on 11th November, 1998, through the shared commitment of African professionals, the University of Abomey-Calavi, and ICCROM1. Its headquarters are in Porto-Novo in Benin. To address needs in conservation,
EPA has developed several types of activities: professional training (degree and non-degree courses), expertise and assistance in the mainte-nance and enhancement of cultural heritage, education to cultural heritage, publishing and dissemination. EPA’s activities address all types of heritage: museum collections, libraries and archives, built heritage, and intangible heritage.
1 ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property) is an intergovernmental organization created in 1959 by UNESCO with a unique mandate for conservation and facilitating public use of worldwide cultural heritage (monuments, museums, libraries, archives, and archaeological sites). ICCROM is based in Rome and is composed of 133 Member States and has a team of 36 people.
Geographic distribution of the 1,230 participants who have benefited from EPA’s activities
French-speaking African countries: 1,099
Europe: 25
English-speaking African countries: 46
Spanish and Portuguese-speaking African countries: 60
■ 12 years of self-financing Each year, EPA takes up the chal-lenge of self-financing.
■ An average annual income of 150,000 euro.
■ 2,484,204 euro held in an endowment fund. It produces an annual interest that covers an average of 30 % of the operating budget.
■■ 1,230 African heritage professionals from 44 countries have participated in EPA’s activities (courses, seminars, workshops, etc.).
■■ More than 220 activities in 14 years have been organized in the fields of training, mediation, rehabilitation, and the arts.
■■ More than 40 partners around the world have supported and continue to support EPA’s activities and/or its operation.
Evolution of the Operating Budget 2007-2011
Income Budget Expenses Budget*
*The composition of the Income Budget is explained on p.16
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A MISSION AT THE SERVICE OF DEVELOPMENT
TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICAN COUNTRIES
AND PEOPLE, THROUGH THE CONSERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF THEIR CULTURAL HERITAGE.
EPA’s mission
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Cultural heritage holds an essential place in econo-mic and social development as well as in the fight against poverty. Cultural heritage can assist educa-tion, the transmission of knowledge; it can facilitate cultural dialogue and openness to others.
In other words, it promotes the development and construction of identities. Through its mission and objectives, this is what EPA strives to do: educate and inform so that everyone can play a role in the protec-tion and enhancement of their cultural heritage.
The four objectives of EPA
■■ Reinforce the network of African professio-nals capable of ensuring the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage.
■■ Develop programs for African audiences for the discovery and recovery of cultural heritage.
■■ Promote projects in socio-economic deve-lopment that include the safeguarding and enhancement of cultural heritage.
■■ Contribute to the publishing and diffusion of specialized literature on African cultural heritage.
School activity, «Academy of Fairies» project, Benin
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A NEED, A RESPONSE
The beginning of EPA It was in this context that the PREMA (PREvention in Museums in Africa) programme was created by ICCROM, which for 15 years trained museum staff in preventive conservation of collections and set up a network of African professionals capable of undertaking the task of training and sensitising museum professionals.
To this end, in 1998 the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin and ICCROM collaborated to create a school operating on a regional level: Ecole du Patrimoine Africain - EPA. The first team was made up of former participants in the PREMA programme.
In the 1970s, many factors assailed the collections in African museums causing deterioration and loss, such as insect infestations, fires, theft, flooding, and neglect. At the same time, lack of trained personnel in these museums impeded the solution of these problems.
Cultural Heritage for better understanding
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‘For my part, I believe that black peoples are rich with energy and passion, that they lack neither vigor nor imagination, but that these strengths can only wilt in organizations that are not their own: made for them, made by them, and adapted to ends that they alone can determine. ’
Aimé Césaire, poet and politician from Martinique in the French Caribbean
An international teamAs the number of its team members grew, EPA began work in the area of development. In 14 years, EPA has grown from a team of four to 20 people and has recruited staff from several countries. This small core group of people is in contact with over 1,230 professionals located throughout the African continent, many of whom have passed through EPA, transforming this location into a unique meeting place. EPA has been recognized in the country of Benin as an International Organization since 2009.
A customized organizationEPA headquarters are made up of several buildings, allowing for the best possible conditions for carrying out its activities.
They include a 500 m2 historic building, renovated in 1998, housing the administrative offices, the information library, and a classroom. A new, 1,200 m2 building completes the structure. The buildings nestle in a lush and quiet a 1,000 m2 garden.
EPA can accommodate students, teachers and visitors in a university residence comprising 18 single rooms (made available by the University of Abomey) and four flats in a villa. EPA has also a regional office in Libreville, Gabon, to strengthen its presence in Central Africa.
EPA Team - April 2011
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CUSTOMIZED ACTIVITIES
Professional TrainingBy training professionals, EPA invests in long-term change since it is through education that people and situations progress. It provides the knowledge and impetus for each individual to contribute to the development of conservation and enhancement of heritage in his or her own country. In this way, EPA helps to create a solid, unique network of professionals that brings together people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Example: The International University Course (CUI), is a professional degree from the University of Abomey - Calavi and from Paris I - Sorbonne.
Expertise and Assistance EPA provides technical support to professionals, communities and institutions in the field of conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage. In this context, it creates projects linking the rehabilitation of heritage buildings or complexes with socio-economic development. This includes re-learning local crafts, job creation and the development of new strategy for the future use.
Example: The rehabilitation of the Royal Palaces of Abomey in Benin, inscribed on the World Heritage List. The site was successfully removed from the list of World Heritage in Danger thanks to the work of EPA and its partners.
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Workshop «Introduction to preventive conservation», Cameroon Field-school at the heritage house, Migan House, Benin
Some of the technical partners for EPA’s activitiesInternational and regional organizations• African World Heritage Fund (AWHF)• Centre for Heritage Development in Africa (CHDA)• ICCROM• UNESCO
Museums and other institutions involved with heritage• CRAterre-ENSAG• Directions of cultural heritage of Africa• Luigi Pigorini Ethnographic Museum, Italy• Musée du Quai Branly, France• National, regional, community and private African
museums
Universities and training institutions• Ecole Africaine des Métiers de l’architecture et de
l’Urbanisme (EAMAU), Togo• Ecole d’Architecture de Bamako, Mali• Ecole du Louvre, France• Institut National du Patrimoine (Inp), France• Université d’Abomey - Calavi, Benin• Université Gaston Berger, Saint-Louis, Senegal• Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium• Université de Paris 1 Panthéon - Sorbonne, France• Université de Provence, France• Università di Torino, Italy
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EPA creates programmes that have long-term impact on development. Professional development is the main mission of EPA, but along with this it develops original projects to meet the needs expressed in the area.
These projects usually have an impact on jobs, education, infrastructure and creation of innovative ideas, using heritage as a starting point for economic resources. All these activities are funded by external partners.
Special projects Special Projects are programmes that meet specific needs pertaining to African heritage. They are often multidisciplinary projects that combine mediation, rehabilitation, training, creativity, and develop new economic approaches.
Example: The Museums at the Service of Development (MSD) project, funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its objective was to increase museum attendance and strengthen financial resources (see next pages).
InformationEPA carries out studies and diagnostics as well as consulting activities for any institution that requests it. It also publishes books on the African cultural heritage (proceedings, monographs, catalogues, etc.), educational books, EPA Newsletter, and creates and develops websites.
Example: EPA Cesare Brandi Resource Centre offers more than 3,000 references covering all possible topics in cultural heritage.
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Some of the funding partners of EPA’s activitiesCountries• Directions of Cultural Heritage of Africa• Ministries of Culture in Africa• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Benin• Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, France • Ministries of Higher Education in Africa
European Union• European Union• Programme Société Civile Culture (PSCC), Benin
Foundations• Annenberg Foundation, United States of America• Fondation EDF, France• Getty Foundation, United States of America
International and regional organizations • American Ambassadors’ Fund (UNESCO)• African World Heritage Fund (AWHF)• Association Internationale des Maires Francophones (AIMF)• ICCROM• International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)• UNESCO• World Heritage Centre
Programmes• Africa 2009
EPA Cesare Brandi Resource Centre, BeninGuided tour of the exhibition «A For Africa», Burkina Faso
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Educational kit from the Music Museum in use at school, Burkina Faso © E
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MUSEUMS AT THE SERVICE OF DEVELOPMENT (MSD)The Museums at the Service of Development (MSD) programme, run by EPA from 2007 to 2010, was financed entirely by the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The 3 million euro given to carry out the project came from the Priority Solidarity Fund. This programme was created to respond to three main issues that can hinder the development of African museums as identified through a study carried out by EPA:
■ a very low rate of attendance at museums and related institutions, and in consequence, a low income.
■ lack of cultural and scientific progammes.
■ lack of handling audience issues and the weakness in innovative activities.
Objectives and results of MSDTo reinforce the role of culture in the social and economic development of sub-Saharan Africa by:
■■ Increasing the audience numbers of museums
■✔ An average increase of 60 % in visitor numbers was achieved in the 22 selected museums
■■ Increasing the financial resources of the museums themselves
■✔ An average increase of 25 % of the income of the 11 selected museums was achieved
Four areas of intervention1. To develop and promote the educational programmes of museums
2. To develop and promote cultural and scientific programmes in museums
3. To renew museum management structure in order to seek self-financing
4. To reinforce EPA’s accommodation and intervention capacities as well as the manage-ment of the programme
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Educational kit from the Music Museum in use at school, Burkina Faso
In total, 40 projects were financed in 15 countries with approximately 400,000 beneficiaries in 25 countries
RESULTS1. Educational programmes for museums: the museum at school
■■ 12 educational kits created for 12 museums in 5 countries
■■ More than 250,000 school children reached
■■ 9 educational tours created in 9 museums in 9 countries
■■ 3 “Museum-School’’ contests organized in 3 museums
■■ 15 educational guides published
■■ 115 education professionals from 14 countries participated in workshops on the relationship between museums and schools
■■ 156 museum professionals from 24 countries participated in training in management, marketing, and mediation
2. Cultural and scientific programmes of museums
■■ 6 exhibitions renewed and 4 temporary exhibitions held in 10 museums in 6 countries
■■ 1 exhibition, “A for Africa’’ designed in English and French versions. Displayed in Burkina Faso and Kenya, it illustrates African self reflection on their past, their present, and their future, both positive and negative, through art, culture, social and economic life or landscapes.
■■ 1 publication of the “A for Africa’’ exhibition catalogue
■■ 14 museums developed a Scientific and Cultural Project
Exploring new designs through the “Handicraft and Design“ project with the Royal Palace of Abomey craftmen, Benin © E
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3. Innovative means of developing financial self-sufficiency
■■ 2 Cultural Banks (innovative organizations that enhance cultural heritage by integrating a village museum with a micro credit bank and cultural training center) built in Koutammakou, Togo and Tanéka, Benin
■■ 8 museums from 3 countries were aided in the development of income-generating activities: the Museum of Civilization of Cameroon and four associated heritage huts, the Garden of Plants and Nature in Porto-Novo and the Adjarra Museum in Benin and the Cultural Bank of Fombori, Mali
■■ 64 craftsmen from 4 craft centres in 4 countries participated in a pilot activity with French designers to link craft industries and design
4. Reinforcement of EPA
■■ 1 second building built for EPA in order to improve its accommodation and lecture space
■■ 1 dynamic partnership created between EPA and the “Chiefdom Roads of Cameroon’’ programme, the pledge of mutual support for more sustained and efficient private museums and communities
■■ 6 staff members of EPA and approximately 10 individuals from its network improved their professional capacities thanks to the management of the different activities organized in this programme
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The Garden of Plants and Nature (Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature, JPN) is part of the Special Projects division of EPA. The JPN is situated in the old sacred grove of kings of Porto Novo, which fell into neglect after independence from Benin in 1960. Forty years later, only half of the 630
species of trees and the 6.3 acres that made up the garden remain. In collaboration with the Department of Agricul-ture (DAGRI) and the city of Porto-Novo, EPA took over management of the JPN in 1998 in order to preserve this natural and cultural heritage in the heart of the city.
THE GARDEN OF PLANTS AND NATURE
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A place of life and knowledgeThe JPN is not only a historic place that is part of the mixed heritage (natural and intangible) of Benin, but it is also a new type of museum, a site for awareness and research, an educational tool, an observatory on nature and a centre for leisure and relaxation.
To preserve this important heritage and make it available to the community, the JPN functions as a location for eco-citizenship by creating pedagogic trails and by introducing 14 acclima-tized local species. The JPN also advises schools on creating in-house environmental groups, and it is a gathering place for young people. Throughout the year various events bring the youth to the JPN heritage: live music, theatre and workshops.
Thanks to the garden entrance fees and revenue from the bar-restaurant, JPN is self-financing and employs 14 people.
EPA has managed to revive this important patrimony, through its restoration, rehabilitation, and enhancement, assuring its use by the public.
This work has paid off because JPN is now under autonomous management, and attendance by school groups continues to grow.
New pedagogic trails are being developed to provide a better historical, cultural, natural and spiritual understanding of the site.
The bar-restaurant in the JPN covers an area of 80 m2. There are two areas for children’s workshops and an administrative space.
A successful development
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Four different educational tours are offered:
■■ The plant world around us
■■ What role does the flower play in the life of a plant?
■■ Study of terrestrial and aquatic environments
■■ Attributes of power in the Kingdom of Hogbonou (Porto Novo) – developed with the support of the Annenberg Foundation
Attendance figures for the Garden of Plants and Nature
School children
Other
School visit to the Garden of Plants and Nature, Benin
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A CHALLENGE: FINANCING THE OPERATIONS
EPA is one of the few cultural institutions that takes on the challenge of self-financing. In fact, because it is not directly supported by any country or institution, each year it must identify funding sources to cover its opera-ting budget.
The operating budget of EPA encompasses all the costs that the institution faces in order to be operational. It is made up of salaries, maintenance, office supplies, inter-nal and external communications, consumables, trans-portation, and procurement.
‘Africa does not need strong men, but strong institutions’
Barack Obama, President of the United States of America
Speech of 11th July, 2009, Ghana
2. EPA FundTo ensure in the long-term at least 30 % of the operating budget of EPA, a trust fund was created in 2001, the EPA Fund. The EPA Fund, managed by ICCROM, has an interest income of about 45,000 euro per year.
In case of a closure of EPA, sums in the EPA Fund will be returned to the donors in proportion to their contributions.
In 10 years, 2,484,204 euro have been accumulated in the EPA Fund, with contributions coming from 23 countries, foundations, international organizations, private organizations and individuals.
EPA has set up two ways to cover its operating budget of approximately 150,000 euro per year.
1. Income generated by activities contracts
2. Interest earned by the EPA Fund
70 %
30 %
1. Activities The activities organized by EPA are generally funded by external partners (see p.11). For its administrative costs EPA collects a percentage of about 10 % on the budget of some of its activities. At times, it may be replaced with a direct contribution from the budget of activities towards salaries or the purchase of material. The balance of former years and mission fees are also added.
Thanks to these incomes EPA covers about 70 % of its operating budget.
This is the great challenge that EPA faces every year.
17Donors to the EPA Fund
We thank the donors who have so far generously contributed 2,484,204 euro to the EPA Fund:
Foundations
International Organizations
Countries
Private
Angola (0,84 %) Benin (4,60 %)France Ministry of Culture (2,64 %)France Ministry of Foreign Affairs (6,14 %)Italy Ministry of Foreign Affairs (54,67 %)Italy Piemont Region (1,05 %)Luxembourg Ministry of Culture (0,89 %)Tunisia (0,67 %)
Annenberg Foundation, United States of America (1,01 %)Fondation Bettencourt-Schueller, France (0,61 %)Getty Foundation, United States of America (9,66 %)Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Azerbaijan (2,01 %)Leventis Foundation, United Kingdom (1,17 %)
ICCROM (3,43 %)Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (5,72 %)
Compagnia di San Paolo, Italy (4,03 %)Individuals (0,81 %)Radio France Internationale, France (0,06 %)
New Fundraising CampaignIn order for the interest earned by the EPA Fund to cover at least 40 % of the operating budget, a resolution was passed by the Member States of ICCROM at its 26th General Assembly in November 2009. It instructed ICCROM to start a new fundraising campaign to increase the EPA trust fund to 3 million euro.
Luxembourg, the Annenberg Foundation and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation have already responded positively to this call donating a total of 97,000 euro.
Our current objective:
RAISING 515,800 euro over the next five years
515,800 euro
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SUPPORT EPA
Gaël de Guichen
Advisor to the Director of EPA
Mail : [email protected]
Tel : (+39) 066 83 09 441
and
Florence Lamy-Joly
Coordinator of the EPA Fund
Mail : [email protected]
Tel : (+39) 065 85 53 301
Kevin Gray
Mail: [email protected]
Tel: (+1) 917 597 1278
Baba Keita
Director of EPA
Mail : [email protected]
Tel : (+229) 20 21 45 78
(+229) 20 21 48 38
How?
Because supporting the actions of EPA means being involved in an extraordinary human adventure where mankind and cultural heritage are the essence of every
action and project.
Because EPA is a unique and innovative institution in sub-Saharan Africa. It grew from the desire of African professionals to create a place on the continent to study and train in conservation and to promote heritage. Thanks to the work of EPA, African countries are now better equipped to handle the many conservation issues affecting their tangible and intangible heritage, thus preventing the loss of a vast portion of the history of humanity and its creative diversity.
Because cultural heritage as a vehicle for sustainable development is the future of Africa. For 14 years, EPA has proven itself and has demonstrated the essential role it plays in the daily struggle to safeguard the heritage of Africa for present and future generations. It has expanded its areas of expertise and is committed to the economic and educational development of African countries through their culture.
Because EPA offers a guarantee of quality and transparency. The EPA Fund is under the high patronage of ten major international figures who have engaged with us to defend African cultural heritage. Each year, the Fund Management Committee meets to review its financial management and adopt strategies to attain the best performance of the Fund.
■■ If you wish to support the EPA Fund contact ICCROM:
■■ If you wish to support one of EPA’s activities contact EPA:
■■ If you are a donor based in the United States of America, please contact our 501c3 association ‘Friends of African-Heritage’ (FAH):
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PATRONS OF THE EPA FUND
“Museums in Africa can play a key role in making people aware of the value of their heritage and in spreading mutual understanding and respect among children. In training museum staff, the EPA will surely contribute to this. “
Quincy Jones, Producer, Composer and Performer
“I sincerely believe in the importance of making African children aware of their country’s culture through the museum collections of subsaharan Africa.”
Maria Barroso Soares, President of the Foundation Pro Dignitate
“I would like to assure you of my wholehearted support for the action launched by ICCROM to help African countries preserve and enhance their exceptional cultural heritage.”
Jacques Chirac, former President of the French Republic
“Your training of museum directors is an essential part of the Africans’ desire to maintain and enhance their tangible and intangible heritage.”
Koïchiro Matsuura, former Director-General of UNESCO
“I confirm my participation to this High Patronage hoping that this support will help the School of African Heritage to develop its activities, essential for the enhancement of African cultures in the best conditions. The work carried out by this School, its efforts to be autonomous and independent, its contribution to the conservation of the cultural heritage of Africa, are admirable.”
Abdou Diouf, Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
“I am all the more honoured to accept this distinction [...], that the Ecole du Patrimoine Africain, heir to the PREMA programme (Prevention in Museums of Africa), plays a fundamental role in
the safeguarding and enhancement of African cultural heritage, Africa’s most beautiful contribu-tion to universal civilisation.”
Alpha Oumar Konaré, former President of the African Union Commission
“It will be a pleasure for me to be part of the Honorary Committee of the EPA Fund, which ICCROM has initiated with so much talent and energy.”
Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, former Secretary General of the UN
“My interest in the EPA Fund is founded in knowing the role its leadership can have using our heri-tage in the process of development and cooperation with other peoples.”
Emile-Derlin Zinsou, former President of the Republic of Benin
Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, former President of the Italian Republic
« I can indeed measure the role of EPA in the reinforcement of capacity building, a key aspect of sustainable develoment, and the immense work it accomplished for African cultural heritage. »
Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO
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EPA - Ecole du Patrimoine Africain01 BP 2205, Porto-Novo
BeninTel: (+229) 20 21 48 38Fax: (+229) 20 21 21 09
Website: www.epa-prema.netMail: [email protected]
© EPA 2012
