Bondumani Art, Sierra Leone’s only Art center, hosted its 4th annual art exhibition at the Creative Suitland Art Center in Maryland, United States on November 18, 2023. The event was inaugurated by the Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the United States, Ambassador Wai along with his cultural attaché.
Ralph Hunter, the founder of the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey hosted an Exclusive Art Exhibition for Bondumani Art which was Opened on the 6th of January and ongoing till March 31st. In an Interview with Ralph hunter he Celebrated Bondumani art and mentioned that Sahr Songu M’briwa (co-founder) is one of the greatest Artists in the world.
Founded seven years ago by two Sierra Leoneans Sahr Mortatay Songu Mbriwa and Isatu Bailor Jalloh.
The Bondumani Art has become Sierra Leone’s premiere art gallery that support, empower, train young people in Sierra Leone hosting events showcasing artworks in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Sahr Mortatay Songu Mbriwa, Co-founder of Bondumani Art spoke to Salone Messenger after their successful events in the USA upon arriving in Sierra Leone few weeks after the event noted his excitement, thanking art lovers and stakeholders including the Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the United States, cultural attaché and all those that attended the event. “ I am humbled and honoured by the support shown to us during our 4th annual art exhibition.This, to me was a confirmation that when you dream it, you can make it happen” he told Salone Messenger.
While in the United States of America, On December 5th, 2023, Sahr Songu Mbriwa collaborated with another artist in the US Named Demont pinder to create an extraordinary event called “The Songu-Pinder Story.” Two artists from two different worlds came together to work on one canvas. This clash of cultures showcased a remarkable experience pairing portrait of renowned artist Jay Z. The artwork created during this collaboration was auctioned off after its completion.
On January 6th, artworks of Bondumani Art was selected in honor of Black History Month. The prestigious African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey showcased their painting on the 10th, allowing visitors to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance behind the art.
The Bondumani art has over the years hosted and displayed several artworks including their first annual exhibition held at the former seafood restaurant, where artworks were displayed and Sold. The following year, the 2nd annual art exhibition hosted at Mango Peak in Freetown and this event which was also a success according to the Team. The 3rd Annual Art celebration was was held at the current Bondumani art studio in Freetown.
The Bondumani Art is Sierra Leone’s first ever art gallery in Sierra Leone and the only Art center that teaches art.
According to the owners their Dream is to have a Proper art school and Art university in Sierra Leone and the best in Africa.
They are currently working on officially launching their art school here in Sierra Leone.