The Earth as a Wayfinder was organized around four basic themes: (Un)rooting Knowledge, Sonic Memory Work, Transformative Ecosystems in Practice, and Becoming at One with the World. By focusing on pluriversal narratives, histories, and perspectives, this forum sought to create a fertile ground for local and international discussions on restitution, as considered concerning spatial and architectural histories, land (dis)possession, and reparative futures. The symposium offered an exploration of “restitution (re)thinking” through a multidisciplinary approach that reimagines restitution beyond the objects, emphasizing the critical role of art and design in this transformative process.
The unique program offered a collaborative space for artists, thinkers, researchers, designers, and activists to exchange ideas and strategies to address the complexities of restitution in direct relation to artistic and design practices, while also considering the broader implications of knowledge restitution across Africa and its diasporas.
The program featured a keynote lecture by Ngaire Blankenberg (The Institute for Creative Repair, Johannesburg); performances by Agnes & Lawrence Yombwe, Ogutu Muraya, and Damien Ajavon, with additional contributions by Amal Alhaag, Michael Barrett, Jim Chuchu, Letaru Dralega, Sana Ginwalla, Mulenga Kapwepwe, Linda Lamignan, George Mahashe, Cliff Moustache, Andrew Mulenga, Victor Mutelekesha, Stary Mwaba, Camille Norment, Kaloki Nyamai, Victoria Phiri, and Selene Wendt.
