Our AAFR Collective enters the new season on the heels of our first international, multi-faceted journey and series of art activations across the African continent. We are excited to continue to be engaged in the discourse around space and our ongoing inquiry related to Diasporic creative strategies. This summer's archival (re)memory work was potent, radical and illuminating!

Founder Ashara Ekundayo and Advisory Board member Dr. Angela Wellman began with a 4-week Archival Research Residency in Nigeria with Angels & Muse at the invitation of artist and scholar Victor Ehikhamenor. Meanwhile, Climate Futures & Legacies Manager Ietef Vita took up artist residency in Lagos and at the G.A.S. Farm House in Ijebu Ode, Nigeria, hosted by the Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation founded by esteemed artist and thinker Yinka Shonibare.

On week 5 AAFR reunited in Johannesburg, South Africa, joined by Abundance Director NiQueen Jones and Community Wellness and Design Manager Christian Walker, for the FNB Joburg Art Fair, where AAFR activated the AfroPortals Project Space in collaboration with Hector Xquizified, Shared Studios, and STILL Artist Residency and it’s founder, acclaimed photographer Ayana V. Jackson. Wee also co-presented EXUVIAE by STILL Artist-in-Residence Emmanuel Koto, curated by Ashara Ekundayo. All in all, we were fortunate to host 14 activations including Pan African Artist Talk panels, Global Dance Parties with DJ Cavem on the 1s and 2s, and made history by installing the first-ever Graffiti Wall at a major African art fair!

We’re grateful to our partners, collaborators, and all those who welcomed us across the continent in this season of deeply nourishing residencies, collaborations, and exchanges. May these connections continue to seed new growth, prosperous activations, and visionary work for the future.

Harvesting and planting gratitude,
Ashara, Christian, Ietef, Marcella, NiQueen, Sam, and Zandashé

We’re proud to share that Ashara has been awarded a 2025 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award!

Each year, the Alameda County Arts Commission honors six individuals nominated by the community for their outstanding contributions to the arts and to residents across the county. Ashara’s recognition highlights her decades of cultural leadership as a curator, strategist, and founder of Artist As First Responder, where she continues to uplift artists as essential workers in community health and resilience.

Please join us in celebrating Ashara and her fellow awardees at the Arts Leadership Awards Commendation Event taking place on Tuesday, October 14th from 12:45-2:45pm on the 5th floor of 122 Oak Street Oakland, CA.

Artist As First Responder partners with the City of Detroit Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship, Detroit Public Library Main Branch, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to launch the Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin Sidewalk Library Project, debuting on September 26!

Inspired by the multi-year traveling exhibition Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin by Sabrina Nelson—pinned and co-curated by Ashara Ekundayo and Omo Misha—this new literary initiative brings Baldwin’s books and legacy into the heart of 10 Detroit neighborhoods.

The Baldwin Sidewalk libraries, built by students at General Benjamin O. Davis Aerospace High School, feature original artwork by 10 Black Detroit-based visual artists.  This free program offers Baldwin’s writings for residents to borrow, trade, and/or keep. With 200 Baldwin titles generously donated by the Detroit Public Library Main Branch, this project celebrates Baldwin’s centennial while ensuring his words continue to spark imagination, dialogue, and liberation in the community. 

Looking ahead, we’re proud to share that Ashara has been selected for the Fall 2025 Olamina Global Arts Residency, launched by Earthseed Black Arts Alliance and artist Nikeshia Breeze.

Olamina is a space for rest, dreaming, artmaking, and building new pathways of resistance, designed with accessibility and community care at its core. The residency uplifts marginalized artists, activists, and scholars, creating room for restorative practices, grief awareness, and collective healing.

Access and equity are core to AAFR’s mission. We create inclusive, community-led arts programming that centers healing, cultural memory, and creative leadership. Programs are held in physically accessible spaces and offered at no or low cost. We welcome participants of all abilities and identities.

Need accessibility support? Email us at artistresponder@gmail.com