2025: A Year of Expansion & Dialogue The ARAK Collection — Second-Half Review

2025: A Year of Expansion & Dialogue The ARAK Collection — Second-Half Review

As we enter a new year, we reflect on the second half of 2025 as a period of strategic growth, deepened artistic research, and strengthened global engagement for the ARAK Collection. Through major publications, the launch of new programmes, and expanded international partnerships, ARAK advanced its mission to support, document, and disseminate contemporary African art.

HIGHLIGHTS

‍• Publication of the Collection’s definitive volume and a monograph on Namibian artist Rudolf Seibeb

• Launch of the Residency Programme with inaugural artist Victor Kalinosi Mutale and consequent participation in exhibition Counterpoint (Taqābul) at Al Hosh Gallery Doha

• Commemorating the successful completion of nine ARAK Curatorial Fellows through the release of their exhibition catalogues

• Establishment of partnerships with Almas Art Foundation and Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre (LuCAC)

• Introduction of the 2026 Advisory Board• Hosting of distinguished visitors, including Ibrahim Mahama and Professor Salah M. Hassan at the collection in Doha

JULY | Publishing & Editorial Leadership

Doha Launch of African Art: The ARAK Collection‍

On 28 July, the ARAK Collection celebrated the launch of its debut publication at AlHosh Gallery in Doha. A public conversation between contributing author Nneoma Angela Okorie and Qatar Museums curator Zahra Khan examined the making of the book and reflected on the growing role of collecting, publishing, and curatorial practice across Africa and Qatar.

Editorial Expansion

‍In the same month, Lukho Witbooi joined the organisation as Editor of The ARAK Journal, bringing experience in art criticism, creative writing, and editorial leadership. This appointment strengthened the journal’s commitment to research-led, long-form critical engagement with contemporary African art.

AUGUST | Residency Programme & Research Fieldwork

Residency Programme Launch

‍The Residency Programme formally commenced with Victor Kalinosi Mutale as the inaugural artist-in-residence. Mutale, a self-taught Zambian artist working across drawing, sculpture, and collage, explores identity, heritage, and historical memory through a symbolic visual language informed by Pan-Africanist thought. His residency in Doha supported the development of new work grounded in long-term, process-driven artistic research.

This was followed by an exhibition on October 4th 2025, showcasing some of the new works Victor produced during his time in Doha.  Counterpoint (Taqābul) Curated by Dr Sara Bint Moneer Khan brought Victor’s work into conversation with Qatari art Hind Al Oblaidli at the Al-Hosh Gallery in Doha. https://alhosh.qa/exhibition/counterpoint/

Regional Research & Documentation: Kenya and Uganda

‍During this period, Mussavir Sheikh, Filmmaker & Publication Designer undertook an 18-day research and documentation trip to Kenya and Uganda, visiting Nairobi (13–18 August) and Kampala and Masaka City (18–29 August). The project focused on documenting the artist’s practice through interviews and the production of film and archival material for the ARAK Collection. These are available to watch on the ARAK Collection’s YouTube channel and support related research initiatives.

In Kenya, artists engaged included Agnes Waruguru, Abubakar Bakri Moaz, Hani Khalil, Issam Hafiz, Anita Kavochy, Mahmoud Al Sadeq, Ameer Yousif, Abdulla Omer, Mohamed Morada, Amani Azhari, and Gor Soudan.In Uganda, engagements included Prof. Banadda Godfrey, Dr. Kyeyune George, Prof. Jude Kateete, Dr. Kizito Maria (Makerere University), Joseph Ntensibe, Victoria Nabulime, Allan Kyakonye, Joe Bukenya (Masaka City), Allen Nabukenya (Njola), Bwambale Wesley, Jjuuko Hoods, Lubowa Paul, Senjulu Dennis, Kalule Herbert Albert, Ronald Tindimwebwa, Remmy Sserwada, Ngula Yusuf Kiire, Fred Mutebi, Migadde Adrian, and Ogwaps George.Institutions visited included Makerere University and Umoja Art Gallery. Activities comprised studio visits, artwork documentation, photography, and videography.

OCTOBER | Exhibitions, Curatorial Fellowship & Distinguished Visitors

Exhibition: Decolonizing Energy: Hiwaraat at Georgetown University‍

From 4 October to 4 December 2025, the ARAK Collection loaned 34 works to the exhibition Decolonizing Energy: Hiwaraat George Town University. The exhibition emerged from the symposium Decolonizing Energy: The Past, Present, and Future of Energy Justice, which convened scholars, artists, and writers working in the field of decolonial energy studies. Grounded in Global South perspectives, the project examined the colonial legacies embedded in contemporary energy systems while engaging historical and present-day visions of energy justice, liberation, and the reclamation of power.

Curatorial Fellowship: Nine Published Catalogues‍

On 16 October, the ARAK Collection marked the culmination of its Curatorial Residency Fellowship programme (2020–2024) with the publication of nine exhibition catalogues. These publications document curatorial projects developed across the continent and feature the work of over 80 artists from more than 20 African countries, spanning painting, sculpture, textiles, digital print, and installation.

Curatorial Fellows:

Sarah Abdu Bushra (Ethiopia)

Fulufhelo Mobadi (South Africa)

Favour Ritaro (Nigeria)

Abdelrahiem Faisal (Sudan)

E. N. Mirembe (Uganda)

Nneoma Angela Okorie (Nigeria)

Jamil Osmar Parasol (Angola)

Bulelwa Kunene (Eswatini)

Tammy Langtry (South Africa)

Distinguished Visitors:‍

On 27 October, the ARAK Collection hosted two leading international figures whose visits contributed significantly to critical dialogue within the organisation’s programme.

Ibrahim Mahama (October 2025): Known for monumental installations using jute sacks, Mahama’s visit foregrounded discussions on colonial legacies, migration, global trade, and architectural intervention.

Professor Salah M. Hassan: Chancellor of Global Studies University and co-founder of Nka: Journal of Contemporary African Art, Professor Hassan shared insights from his global curatorial and scholarly work, reinforcing ARAK’s engagement with international academic and artistic networks.

DECEMBER | Strategic Partnerships & Publications

Almas Art Foundation Partnership

‍On 9 December, ARAK announced a partnership with Almas Art Foundation to expand the international circulation of contemporary African art publications. The collaboration supports the global dissemination of research-driven monographs and critical texts.

Rudolf Seibeb: Portraits of the Common‍

On 11 December, ARAK, in partnership with Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press, released a monograph on Namibian artist Rudolf Seibeb. The publication examines the communal, material, and historical dimensions of Seibeb’s practice through essays, interviews, and full-colour documentation.

Contributors include Ashraf Jamal, Jamil Osmar Parasol, Frieda Lühl, Marcos Jinguba, Elize van Huyssteen, Banji Chona, and Rudolf Seibeb.

ARAK × Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre (LuCAC)‍

On 18 December, ARAK announced a long-term partnership with Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre (LuCAC) to deliver art-writing workshops in Zambia beginning in 2026.About the Partners• ARAK Collection: A curatorial and research-led platform supporting exhibitions, publications, fellowships, and public programmes.• LuCAC: Zambia’s leading contemporary art platform promoting artistic experimentation, research initiatives, and educational programmes.

2026 Advisory Board

‍On 31 December, ARAK introduced its 2026 Advisory Board, composed of curators, artists, and researchers from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

‍Board Members Include:

Looking Ahead‍

As 2026 begins, the ARAK Collection continues to expand its residencies, publications, and partnerships, supporting African artists and curators while fostering sustained cross-cultural dialogue between Africa, the Middle East, and the wider world.

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