Moscow: AfricUpdate – News Desk
Joint initiatives between African nations and BRICS countries could serve as a vital mechanism for safeguarding the continent’s cultural heritage. That’s according to Etta Ojang Ivan, Deputy Director of the National Museum of Cameroon, who spoke exclusively to TV BRICS. “African countries could tackle the challenges of cultural preservation more effectively through collaborative projects with BRICS nations – initiatives that bring together cultural experts, local communities, and other stakeholders,” he said.
The expert also believes that cooperation between African countries and BRICS, particularly through the BRICS Alliance of Art Museums and Galleries, could offer significant opportunities to promote African art and its creators. He noted that many young African artists currently lack the platform to showcase their work to wider audiences. “This kind of collaboration would also encourage cultural exchange and support joint exhibitions and artistic initiatives. Such engagement will help strengthen ties and foster friendship between BRICS nations and Africa,” he added.
The Deputy Director also spoke about an ongoing partnership between the National Museum of Cameroon and Russia’s State Museum of Oriental Art, which is currently implementing a large-scale African-focused project. The deputy director stressed that joint exhibitions give Russian audiences a chance to engage more deeply with Cameroonian culture – and that, in the future, similar platforms could be used to present Russian art in African museums.
When asked about the potential establishment of a Museum of African Cultures in Moscow, the expert welcomed the idea and underlined its importance. “The potential is enormous. It’s a brilliant initiative, as such a museum could serve as an extension of African institutions in Russia, offering a way to experience Africa without leaving the country,” he said. The National Museum of Cameroon was inaugurated in 2014 by a decision of the Cameroonian government. It is located in the capital city, Yaounde, and occupies the former presidential palace.
