By Fatou Krubally
In a quiet corner of Sanyang, far from the usual art galleries and tourist trails, a retired German journalist is quietly shaping what may become one of The Gambia’s most ambitious artist collectives.
Called Art27, the initiative is the brainchild of Mr. Ference Donderer, an 8-year resident of The Gambia who has transformed his home into a sanctuary for Gambian painters and sculptors.
“I got tired of just buying paintings,” Ference said. “The money comes in and it’s gone in a few days. I wanted to do more to give them a stable foundation.” His home, which he fondly calls the “Blue Castle,” hosted its first “Art in the Castle” gathering over the weekend, bringing together artists, journalists, and cultural enthusiasts.
Ferenc, who spent his working life in journalism and is now a self-taught painter, launched Art27 in November last year. Since returning to The Gambia in March, he’s been working with eight full-time artists, describing them as “the crème de la crème” of Gambian visual art. The collective includes sculptors and painters, and Ferry proudly supports each of them out of pocket, covering art materials, transportation, and exhibitions.
Among the artists is Anna Isatou Bah, a sculptor who began her craft in 2019. She officially joined Art27 this year. “I do recycling and sculpture. Being part of this group is a blessing,” she said.
Isatou, credits Ferry with pushing her forward. “I was painting, but I wasn’t serious. Franz motivated me, gave me canvas and paint.
Veteran artist Mr. Kebba Jassey also shared his journey: “Art has always been in me, even from childhood. But making a living from it is tough. Families don’t encourage it because it’s not profitable. That’s why initiatives like Art27 are critical,” he said.
Jassey, stressed the need for government investment: “Our cultural department is underfunded. We need more support. Look at Senegal, art is a huge part of their economy.”
Despite past challenges in engaging with some existing art associations, Ferry remains optimistic. “We reached out, but things didn’t quite align,” he said. “Still, I believe in focusing on solutions. Art 27 is about creating a fresh space for collaboration, creativity, and growth.”
For Ferenc, Art27 is more than a collective it’s a vision. “Art is dignity. It’s identity. In Europe, artists are respected. I want Gambian artists to feel that too.”
With passion, patience, and paint, he’s giving them a canvas to begin again.