Yinka Shonibare MBE, Ato Malinda and Bob Collymore Named as Awardees
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will hold its inaugural African Art Awards Dinner Friday, Oct. 28 at 6.30 p.m. The dinner will take place in the Smithsonian’s iconic Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Tickets are available on the museums website or by phone at (202) 633-3773.
Recognizing the best in contemporary African art and philanthropy on the continent, this annual event will honor the artistic achievements and generosity of individuals who are influencing the way our global community experiences the dynamic and diverse arts of Africa. The 2016 honorees are internationally renowned artist Yinka Shonibare MBE, rising star of the art world Ato Malinda, and global philanthropist and CEO of Safaricom Bob Collymore. James Beard Award-winning celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, founder of the Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem, will use his talents to design a distinctive menu for the evening’s dinner.
“We are delighted to recognize Yinka Shonibare MBE, Ato Malinda and Bob Collymore for their remarkable achievements, which highlight the diversity of Africa that is connected so closely to our mission,” said Johnnetta Betsch Cole, director of the museum. “Each awardee is exemplary in their field, continually working to make a difference on and off the continent.”
Guests will enjoy cocktails, a seated dinner, presentations of the African Art award and a special performance. The goal of the African Art Awards Dinner, hosted by CNN International anchor Isha Sesay, is to raise funds in support of the museum’s mission.
The 2016 Awardees
Bob Collymore, CEO of Kenya’s innovative Safaricom, has been dedicated to the arts since he began painting as a young boy. As a philanthropist and art enthusiast, he continues to avidly support and fund art initiatives around the African continent.
Ato Malinda has gained recognition for her thought-provoking multimedia. The Kenyan artist often explores sexuality, gender and nationality, advocating for women and the LGBTQ community in Africa. Her work is currently being shown at the Brooklyn Museum’s Agitprop! exhibition. Her video On fait ensemble was on view in The Divine Comedy exhibition at the National Museum of African Art in 2015.
Yinka Shonibare MBE is one of the world’s most celebrated artists working today. The British-Nigerian artist has consistently explored exchange, history, and hybrid identity in the post-colonial era. His work is found around the globe in numerous public and private collections. His video Un Ballo in Maschera is currently on view in the museum’s Senses of Time exhibition.
About the National Museum of African Art
The National Museum of African Art is America’s only major museum dedicated to the collection, conservation, study and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free. The museum is located at 950 Independence Avenue S.W., near the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. For more information about this program, call (202) 633-4600 or visit the museum’s website at africa.si.edu. For general Smithsonian information, call (202) 633-1000.
Media only: Contact Eddie Burke at (202) 633-4660 or burkee@si.edu.
