Mango Madness

More Than a Meal: How Food Builds Community in Guinea

Foodie February

This month, we’re taking you on a flavorful journey to Guinea, West Africa with a special online series called "Foodie February" showcasing its rich culinary traditions.

Drum Fun with Many Positive Benefits

Many of you already know that drumming has many positive benefits, but just in case you don't, its important to count all the ways!

WACAI's Sponsorship Opportunity

WACAI is currently seeking sponsorships to help move their future Cultural Arts Center in Guinea to the second phase of building.

Celebrating National Dance Week

National Dance Week has begun and WACAI has a variety of ways you can celebrate through virtual or in person engagement! Whether you are ready to move and shake in a public setting or prefer to enjoy at home we've got something fun for you!

“Food” for Thought-CKY Corner's Final Week

Enjoy this taste of some traditional dishes that are guaranteed to make your mouth water as well as teach you something new about Guinean food and its cultural influence!

The Conakry Ballet Tradition-"CKY Corner" Series

Ground Breaking and Building "CKY Corner" Continues

Learn about WACAI's construction process highlights as well as the obstacles faced due to the challenges of wet weather and building in an undeveloped location.

"CKY Corner" Series Continues with "Village Life"

Learn more about the astounding area around WACAI's future cultural arts center and the tenacious people who live off the land there.

Guinea Trip Backstory and "CKY Corner" Series' Purpose

WACAI lays out the backstory of our most recent trip to Guinea as well as explains the purpose of the "CKY Corner" online series.

“CKY Corner” Social Media Series

For the month of February WACAI will be running a series on their online platforms called "CKY Corner" as a way to highlight pictures and videos from a recent trip to Guinea and to give a snapshot of a day in a life.

Oregon Black Artist Spotlight Series

A series designed to put a spotlight on seven Black cultural artists throughout the state of Oregon to elevate their work and discuss how racism affects their lives.

Alseny & Papa Yansane-Oregon Black Artist Spotlight Series

Papa talked about the freedom that he experienced while living in Guinea.

LaRhonda Steele-Oregon Black Artist Spotlight Series

LaRhonda Steele (Portland) is a gospel singer and songwriter recognized as one the region’s best rhythm and blues vocalists.

Wambui Machua-Oregon Black Artist Spotlight Series

Wambui Machua is a traditional Kenyan chef, entrepreneur, and owner of Spice of Africa, a Portland-based African restaurant.

Mic Crenshaw-Oregon Black Artist Spotlight Series

To listen to Mic Crenshaw (Portland Oregon) perform is to be drawn deeply into a poetics of Truth in action.

Norman Sylvester-Oregon Black Artist Spotlight Series

Norman “The Boogie Cat” Sylvester (Portland) has aptly described himself as being “totally dedicated to the soul healing force of music” and when watching or listening to him, this is self-evident.

Baba Wague Diakite-Oregon Black Artist Spotlight Series

As the first installment of the Oregon Black Artist Spotlight Series, WACAI’s Executive Director, Andrea DiPalma Yansane had the privilege to interview Baba Wague Diakite.

Drive Thru Childrens' Celebration

WACAI was stationed at a wonderful shady spot just on the edge of a fabulous Filbert grove and enjoyed performing in this unique style which was a creative solution to holding the celebration in the midst of a global pandemic.

Galaxy Dance Festival Virtual Event

Polaris Dance Theatre held its 10th Annual Galaxy Dance Festival this weekend and in response to the social distancing regulations that are in place, went VIRTUAL!

Homage to "Mother Hawa"

N'Gawa whose name means "Mother Hawa" in the Susu language is, Alseny Yansane, our Co-founder and Artistic Director's Mom. She passed away on Wednesday, June 17th at 1 pm Conakry time.

More Than a Hashtag

Throughout Oregon, the United States, and all over the world there have been massive protests, rallies, and demonstrations. We at WACAI believe in and affirm that all Black Lives Matter.