As part of our Family Meeting series, Beyond the White Wall brought together artists and cultural workers to reflect on the role of independent art spaces in Africa’s evolving creative ecosystem. The conversation explored how these spaces are moving from survival to significance—shaping culture through artist-led models, community engagement, and reimagined structures of sustainability.

The panel offered personal insights into funding, leadership, innovation, and care in the arts. It also asked urgent questions: How do we stay grounded while building forward? What does independence really mean? And how can we create a future where independent spaces collaborate across borders?

This session held space for honesty, imagination, and solidarity—at the intersection of art, community, and independence.

Panelists:

• Seun Alli – Art Writer & Cultural Worker/ Creative Director, June Creative Agency

• Chris Udoh – Founder and director, Aynen Iyak Foundation

• Jedalo – Sound Artist and Independent art space director.