By Fatou Krubally
Ferenc Donderer, founder of ART27 – Visual Arts Promotion, has announced plans to establish a permanent art gallery in The Gambia in 2026, aimed at providing a dedicated platform for Gambian and African visual artists.
Since its launch in December 2024, ART27 has supported local artists through temporary exhibitions at venues including the African Art Gallery at the Senegambia Beach Hotel, the “Art in the Castle” exhibition, Alliance Française Banjul, and selected guest houses and hotels.
“Visual arts and artists need to be supported, respected, and seen,” Donderer said, noting that art promotes mental well-being, social connection, empathy, and community engagement, while also challenging societal norms.
ART27 operates as a non-profit, covering costs for materials, transportation, and exhibitions to ensure artists can present their work. The initiative is working in collaboration with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NAC), which has welcomed efforts to strengthen the country’s fine arts sector.
Donderer said the gallery will provide a clean, modern space for exhibitions and cultural events, independent of memberships or associations. He added that ART27 is seeking support from sponsors, donors, and the wider community to realize the project.
The planned gallery is expected to become a central hub for artistic collaboration, offering Gambian and African artists opportunities for exposure and professional development.