Uganda

^{Posted on Tuesday, 4th march,2008}

GandaArt.com "Virtual art gallery" launched
 

^{KAMPALA, UGANDA – GandaSpace.com has launched an Internet "virtual art gallery" that will showcase the works of artists who specialize in art themes and media that relate to Baganda and other African cultures. The gallery, which can be accessed at either www.GandaArt.com or www.GandaSpace.com, will give art lovers across the globe the opportunity to view and buy Ganda as well as other African art. Ugandan and other painters, sculptors, photo artists, fabric designers and other visual artists will be accommodated.}

^{Over 5 million Baganda constitute the kingdom nation of Buganda, which is now part of the republic of Uganda. Thanks to Buganda’s long existence of more than 600 years, the Baganda boast of having one of the most highly developed visual arts, music, theater, dance, and poetry cultures in the world.}

^{"We chose to start with the visual arts and provide art lovers from all over the world, a one-stop platform to meet the best talent at rendering the richness of Ganda culture. However, in creating www.GandaArt.com, we have only scratched the surface of Ganda art and culture – so much more remains to be done” says Stephen Musoke, the GandaSpace.com representative in Uganda.}

^{GandaArt.com has already attracted international Ugandan artists, David Kibuuka, Dan Sekanwagi, and James Kitamirike to become “resident artists”. The three live and work in the USA and Canada. According to Mr. Musoke, “We had to start with the top Ugandan artists in North America to get the technology platform and business model right and their help has been invaluable. However, we are also committed to showcasing ‘the masters’ such as Mugalula Mukiibi, Wasswa Katongole, Francis Naggenda and Henry Lumu (RIP), as well as promoting new talent. Our curator is also interested in young artists like Clovis Mutebi, Josephine Mukasa, and Fred Mutebi, whose work appears to be culturally well rooted.”}

^{Mr. Musoke also explained that GandaArt.com is the first of many special-interest websites that will make up the “GandaSpace Internet portal”. Examples of similar special interest websites that GandaSpace will have are News, Music, GandaBlogs, and the BizPages business directory. He called these special interest websites “micro-websites”.}

^{For more information, visit www.GandaSpace.com or send email to art@GandaSpace.com}

 
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