Equatorial Guinea is taking a crucial step in developing its artistic landscape with the launch of its first cultural project incubator. This initiative, led by singer Antonio María Ondó Abeso, artistically known as Tony Mary, is in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and “aims to transform the country’s creative sector by providing local artists with the necessary tools to manage their talent and build sustainable careers”. The incubator is becoming a key platform to boost the growth of the arts in a context where a solid artistic ecosystem has yet to be consolidated.
The impact of similar projects in other African countries, such as Nigeria and South Africa, is a clear example of what Equatorial Guinea can achieve. In these countries, cultural incubators have been fundamental in developing vibrant artistic industries and connecting artists with international markets. This project seeks to replicate that success by equipping local creators with the resources needed to advance their careers, an essential change to professionalize the sector in the country.
During the project’s presentation a few days ago in Malabo, Tony Mary highlighted that “many artists possess great talent, but lack the management tools needed to propel their careers”. According to the Equatorial Guinean artist, “the incubator fills that gap by offering structured training and support so that artists can develop their entrepreneurial and competitive skills. This approach has the potential to transform the arts in Equatorial Guinea, opening opportunities both nationally and internationally”.
From the perspective of Sofía Mata, director of the Spanish Cultural Center in Malabo, “the incubator represents a significant shift for the local art scene”. After a year of work on its creation, Mata hopes that this initiative will achieve similar results to those obtained in other African countries, where art has evolved thanks to the support and training offered by programs like this.