The Madeline Fine and Applied Art Foundation, a newly established organization dedicated to promoting art education and cultural heritage in Sierra Leone, has formally requested the support of the Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation for the use of the Helipad Compound/Foya in Aberdeen, Freetown, to host the inaugural Festival of Art, Design, and Culture (FADC) 2024.
Scheduled to take place from December 15, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the Festival will be a multi-day event aimed at celebrating Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage, promoting contemporary artistic expressions, and fostering creativity within the local community. This festival, the first of its kind in Sierra Leone, is set to bring together a diverse group of artists, designers, educators, critics, and the public for workshops, exhibitions, performances, and public lectures. The event’s focus on art, design, and culture aligns with the government’s agenda to promote national pride, economic empowerment, and social cohesion.
Madeline Phebean Sankoh, the founder and CEO of the Madeline Fine and Applied Art Foundation, expressed her commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s artistic future by fostering a new generation of creatives. “Art and culture are powerful tools for community connection, social stability, and economic growth,” Sankoh said. “We believe that FADC 2024 will play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s cultural identity and empowering local communities.”
The Madeline Fine and Applied Art Foundation, a non-profit and non-partisan organization, has been in discussions with the Managing Director of MV Bia Bureh at Government Wharf since October 2024, and has received verbal approval for the use of the helipad compound at Aberdeen. The request for formal support from the Ministry of Transport and Aviation aims to ensure that the festival’s venue is secured and adequately supported for the event.
“We are excited about the potential impact of this festival and its contribution to Sierra Leone’s cultural and artistic landscape,” Sankoh added. “The success of this event will help fund future initiatives to upgrade Sierra Leone’s artistic and cultural infrastructure, further bridging the gap between generations and fostering stronger community ties.”
The Madeline Fine and Applied Art Foundation invites the Honourable Minister and Ministry of Transport and Aviation to support this historic event by facilitating the use of the Aberdeen Helipad Compound and collaborating with the Foundation to ensure FADC 2024’s success.
The Foundation is eager to meet with the Ministry to discuss any concerns or requirements for the use of the venue and to work together to make this celebration of Sierra Leone’s art, design, and culture a resounding success.
