The founder of the ART27- Artist Group, Ferenc Donderer, has vowed to support local visual artists by offering commissioned work during tough times like the rainy season when tourists are rare and sales are nearby zero.
However, by doing so, ART27 is not only promoting Gambian Visual Arts & Artists, but also helping them to focus on their craft without financial stress.
The ART27 founder said: “Reflecting the past year, 2025 was a very successful year for the ART27 – Artist Group and we were able to support various members during the rainy season with art materials and cash.”
According to him, this is a very hard time for the visual artists: “No guests are here. It is not nice for them; the artists could not sell their paintings. In 2026 we changed our ‘low season’ support by starting our ART27 – Artist Residence in our studio in Sanyang.
“I selected one of our members for this coming low season, Edrisa Jobe, a honest and hardworking visual artist and friend, member of our group since the first days back in 2024. Edrisa will be benefitting from my ART27 – Artist Residence program the following 5 month.”
He emphasised that it’s agreed a series of xl sized paintings, commissioned with a total value of D100,000.
He further said: “Edrisa Jobe will work in our Art27 studio during the five months by free art materials & accommodation, resulting in a solo Exhibition by end of 2026. Next year…we will see, but definitely will be touched by another visual artist.”
“We should remember that the ART27-Artist Group works on a non-profit basis
and all sales from the paintings will contribute to the group’s funds, which will be reinvested in future projects and their biggest goal becoming their own modern gallery for 2026.”
While Mr Donderer’s efforts are commendable, he’s facing challenges attracting recognition and support from government despite being part of the NCAC.
He expressed his frustration at getting empty promises and no concrete support from officials, despite doing their job for them.
He explained his passion for reviving lino and wood cutting & relief printing art in The Gambia by working with the Art27 members such as Anna Isatou Bah, who is showing great promise, and they are eager to get a printmaker machine to take their craft to the next level.
He said the goal is to create a community of young artists skilled in this lost art form, but challenges like art materials, transport, and exhibition spaces persist. Nevertheless, they continue to stay positive and resourceful, he said.
