A Yale delegation led by Yale School of Art dean Kymberly Pinder and professor Cajetan Iheka, who chairs the Yale MacMillan Center’s Council on African Studies (CAS), recently concluded visits to Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire. Emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships between the university and partners in Africa, the trip’s aim was to explore opportunities for collaborations in the arts according to Janette Yarwood, the Director for Africa in Yale’s Office of International Affairs, who also participated in the visits.

The delegation toured the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Nigeria, where professor Iheka noted the vibrancy of Yoruba culture, highlighting its resilience and creative excellence despite historical challenges. Dean Pinder underscored the significance of engaging with alumni and university members to deepen knowledge on African arts and literature.

The group also visited the African Studies Center at the University of Ghana, the Museum of West African Art in Lagos, Nigeria, the and Museum of Civilizations of Côte d’Ivoire. Throughout their travels, the group also met with Yale alumni throughout the region.

Rebecca Cramer, associate director of international development at Yale, who also participated in the visits, emphasized the university’s role in helping to preserve human cultures in a globalized world. She stressed the importance of bringing people together to explore cultural similarities and contribute to meaningful conversations. Janette Yarwood also noted, “Because of this trip, we have already had a number of follow up meetings to explore next steps in Yale’s relationships in Ghana and with the Africa Development Bank.”

To view a slideshow of the pictures from the delegation, click the image below.

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To learn more about the trip, visit the MacMillan Center’s CAS website.