The Campaign to Build tHe aFrIcA cEnTeR The realization of an idea THE AFRICA CENTER . . . a 21st-century home for discussion and action focused on the policy, business, and culture of Africa. Co-Chairs’ Welcome President’s Address

It is a truth often overlooked that everyone on the I am excited about my new role as the first President of The Africa planet is from Africa. At The Africa Center we aim to Center, which I see as an exceptional opportunity to join Board Co- explore our commonalities, as well as our differences Chairs Hadeel Ibrahim and Chelsea Clinton in building the world’s from the starting point of our shared humanity, our leading non-profit center for African policy, business, and culture. shared history and our shared future, particularly Africa is the fastest growing continent in terms of both population given our future will increasingly be shaped by Africa. and economy—a region of great potential in need of greater global By mid-century, half of the young people in the understanding. Africa is home to extraordinary cultural, ethnic, Hadeel Ibrahim Chelsea Clinton Halima Dangote Executive Director, Vice Chair, Clinton world will live in Africa. Arguably, the twin lodestars Executive Director at linguistic, and environmental diversity—and the world’s youngest Strategy and External Foundation Dangote Industries Ltd, Relations, Mo Ibrahim of Africa this century will be youth and technology. Dangote Flour Mills, and demographic. Africa is the next profitable frontier for business Foundation MHF Properties That is why we are so excited to be partnering with investments, artistic achievement, and transcontinental policy a leading technology institution to realize our vision for an institution that understands the past, solutions. With our collective efforts, The Africa Center will serve as the gateway to but is firmly Afro-futurist in its outlook and in the collections, exhibits, events and performances understanding contemporary and future Africa. that will define our work. We also recognize the cultural legacy we inherit from our predecessor I count among my top priorities the successful completion of the Capital Campaign to organization—the Museum for African Art—both curatorially and in the form of our extraordinary finalize construction of the new building on “Museum Mile” in . Located on 70,000 square foot home. at the brink of Harlem, The Africa Center’s state-of-the-art headquarters is Our landmark building at One Museum Mile—where Fifth Avenue and intersect—is midway through construction—and only minutes away from the United Nations and the a public space built on values of inclusivity, tolerance, diversity, pluralism and democracy. These bustling business district of Midtown . There, we will welcome dialogues between values are more than ideas. As you will see in the coming pages, this is an institution that reflects African and American heads of state, dignitaries, business leaders, policy experts, and artistic those values in its physical design, its governance structure and its programming ambitions. visionaries. Our Center will also welcome the public to a myriad of African cultural events, In a world of increasing interdependence and decreasing dialogue and trust, The Africa Center such as art exhibitions, films, performances, and education programs for people of all ages offers a new vision—a new model for 21st century public institutions. A place where our local and backgrounds. community, tourists, business leaders, policy makers and cultural actors all have equal weight and To date, the Capital Campaign has received leadership support from the New York City ownership and can begin to talk to each other, rather than across each other. A place that can Department of Cultural Affairs and a distinguished roster of forward-thinking American offer us a vision of 21st century global citizenship, rooted in our common past and engaging with foundations, corporations, and individual patrons. We are now reaching out to African the common challenges we share. The Africa Center is uniquely placed to convene, examine and business leaders and global philanthropists to join us in investing in The Africa Center’s develop answers to some of these questions. construction and realization. We welcome your support. We enter 2017 with the commitment that construction will commence this year and bring us Thank you, in advance, for your participation. closer to opening the doors to our realized project. We can make this undertaking with confidence given the momentum of our current capital campaign and strong support from our Board. We look forward, in a time of uncertainty, to showing what can be achieved when shared human values meet a commitment to change. Welcome to the Africa Center.

2 3 Table of Contents

2 Co-Chairs’ Welcome

3 President’s Address

6 Mission

8 Core Programs Policy Business Culture

12 Location

14 New Building

22 Leadership Executive Team Board Corporate Council

24 Support The Campaign to Build The Africa Center

25 Capital Campaign Donors

4 5 Mission “This is the African century. There’s a sort of static electricity around Africa at The Africa Center The Africa Center’s work is premised on the idea that that this emerging market of one the moment that is exciting. I think, in a way, New provides a gateway billion people, characterized by extraordinary York would be less relevant without a piece of that. diversity and complexity, is inescapably New York has always been the global crossroads and for engagement with relevant to building a prosperous and secure now for the first time there is a clear sign post saying future. ‘Africa this way’ . . . fun, educational, imaginative. The contemporary Africa. Africa Center is great for the continent but it’s even Africa is the world’s oldest continent, greater for New York.” while boasting the youngest population; Bono it encompasses a huge land mass, but a Musician, Activist and Philanthropist small population in relation to its size; and it possesses great natural resources, only surpassed by its enormous human potential. These unique dynamics place Africa at the center of global discourse, and The Center will serve as the platform and hub for this “New York’s Africa Center commands a powerful discussion. international presence, which will draw upon the rich cultural, social and Encompassing policy, business and culture, political legacy and history of the diaspora together The Africa Center will operate locally and with the inimitable cultural beat of New York, itself. BUSINESS globally to transform our understanding This pairing is immediately captivating and will resonate of the continent by promoting partnership with the contemporary African community and beyond. POLICY and collaboration between Africa and the New York is a global city, which has welcomed the United States. The Center will host visual, diaspora – and the Center is a fantastic platform from performing, and digital arts presentations; which to deliver this message to the world.” develop and disseminate innovative educational tools; convene peer-to-peer Sir David Adjaye OBE Principal, Adjaye Associates exchanges; and sponsor results-oriented CULTURE policy dialogues.

6 7 “The Africa Center, through dialogue and debate, will promote public Core Programs understanding of African issues and present African perspectives on questions of world Policy significance. The Africa Center, which reflects the ambition and vitality of a The Africa Center will develop public policy continent on the rise, will add a new by focusing its efforts on linking research and innovative dimension to New capacity with change agents on the ground York’s long engagement with Africa.” in Africa. We will work to build a broader constituency for good policy through media Kofi Annan Former Secretary-General, programs that encourage more diverse, United Nations specific, representative and informed coverage, and educational initiatives that aim to bring basic “Africa literacy” to a wide range of audiences.

“Propelling Africa’s transformation requires a paradigm shift that The Africa Center’s interdisciplinary focus on policy, business and culture will help to actualize. Drawing on Africa’s and New York’s rich creative, entrepreneurial and intellectual talent creates the perfect space for envisioning contemporary Africa’s role in shaping new global traditions.”

Jendayi Frazer President & CEO, 50 Ventures, LLC & Board Trustee, The Africa Center

8 9 “The Africa Center represents an “Life on earth begins in Africa opportunity for a new narrative making it the center of the world connecting us all. The Africa Center in on the Africa that I know and experience Harlem will be the place where we can Business every day. Companies such as the Dangote Culture engage with Africa’s creative past and Group are at the forefront of redefining The Africa Center will help the private The Africa Center will be a home for present, and help shape its promising for the world what African business is and sector to navigate fifty-four distinct exhibitions, performances and showings future.” what Africa can accomplish with the right business climates, will make hard-to-obtain of visual, performing, and digital art from partners. Showcasing Africa in a new and data available and understandable, and Africa. It will be a space in which the Fab 5 Freddy positive light is what makes this project Chief Creative Consultant, will facilitate peer-to-peer introductions. continent speaks for itself, and a platform worthwhile and something that I am proud The Africa Center We will give African entrepreneurs for the most compelling contemporary to support through my foundation.” exposure to New York’s private sector, help culture. But it will be more than a venue— potential partners find each other, share Aliko Dangote we aim to foster new collaborations and best practice, and explore how private Industrialist, Investor dialogues between African artists and those enterprise can help drive transformational in the United States. developments on the continent.

“Africa is the new frontier for business. “Africa is evolving; America is evolving. With unprecedented growth in the As our shared experience of global natural resources sector and the services economics, politics, and aesthetics industry, at last Africa is turning a corner. transforms, we need institutions like The What underpins the growth story is the Africa Center to erect promising new re- improvement in governance, transparency, imaginings of what it means to be African gender and human rights over the last in the 21st century.” decade.” Kehinde Wiley Contemporary Artist & Mo Ibrahim Board Trustee, Entrepreneur and The Africa Center Philanthropist

10 11 Location

The Africa Center, located on Fifth Avenue at the intersection of Harlem and Museum Mile on the northeast corner of , brings the CENTRAL dynamism and diversity of Africa HARLEM EAST THE SPIRIT straight into the heart of New York City. HARLEM OF EAST The Africa Center continues Harlem’s ThE HARLEM AfRiCa MURAL legacy of cross-cultural, creative self- CeNtEr expression and celebration of Africa and the African diaspora. APOLLO THEATER We are also only minutes away from UPPER the United Nations and the financial hub EASTSIDE of midtown. MIDTOWN

UNITED NATIONS TIMES SQUARE

FINANCIAL DISTRICT NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE 9-11 MEMORIAL-MUSEUM 12 13

PHOTOT: NEW MEDIA SYSTEMS, INC.RICHMOND, VIRGINIA EAST

UNISEX NYPD SECURITY RESTROOM SUBSTATION ROOM

1 New Building A-600

UP UP UP

2 A-313 EMPLOYEE STAGING LOCKER The Africa Center occupies 70,000 square “The colossal raw space of ROOM

EMPLOYEE UNISEX feet spread across three floors, located in an The Africa Center provided ample RESTROOM extraordinary Robert A.M. Stern-designed opportunities for dramatic building. interior designs.

2 A-314 Signature spaces include: The challenge we embraced was to LEGO SPACE

• Three-story open grand atrium and main 1 create a welcoming public space that A-401 lobby with café, information services and encourages human interconnectivity gift shop on the grand scale as well as the • Performing arts center & theater STAIR A 1 intimate. Versatility and flexibility A-420

2 A-315 • Art galleries on two floors with flexible were among the driving goals, LOBBY 1 A-316 spaces and high standard climate control as was the play of light between VESTIBULE UP

ELECTRIC & TELEPHONE RISER SHAFT • Education spaces the outside world and the inner FIFTH AVENUE

P.E. #3 ELEVATOR • Demonstration kitchen/dining room sanctum. It is our hope that visitors CAFE

SUPPLY feel inspired by the majesty of the CLOSET • Policy and business centers for dignitaries, LOBBY AND CAFE soaring space and the dynamism of STORAGE LOADING diplomats, business executives, and DOCK the internal configurations.” entrepreneurs NIC

1 A-317 • A 4,000 square foot outdoor terrace overlooking Central Park

COAT ROOM UNISEX FEMALE WC JC CLOSET MALE WC RECEIVING EXIT FAMILY 114 ROOM PASSAGE STAIR C STAIR D ROOM 48 SF

1 - 1 1 3 1 A-310 --- A-311 A-402 A-601 A-312

EAST 109TH STREET

Sara Caples Everardo Jefferson THE DESIGN Principals • Flexible program spaces connected across three stories Caples Jefferson Architects • Visual continuity with the street and park • Locally sourced materials • LEED gold rating • State-of-the-art digital and technological equipment 14 15 First Floor

GRAND ATRIUM & MAIN LOBBY Lit by a wall of windows soaring five stories high, The Grand Atrium and Main Lobby will welcome visitors from Fifth Avenue, and serve as one of the largest free cultural spaces in New York City. The Atrium/Lobby will provide the perfect venue for performances, lectures, video art installations, audio artworks, cocktail receptions, special events and large scale concerts. GRAND ATRIUM/ MAIN LOBBY & THE AFRICA MARKET

1 Axonometric Drawing_Ground Floor THE AFRICA MARKET A-003 Located throughout the Grand Atrium and Main Lobby, The Africa Market is the heart and soul of The Africa Center—a bustling, engaging and interactive space where people will regularly gather for comfort, conversations and community.

THE AFRICA CAFÉ The Africa Café’s offerings are inspired by THE AFRICA African chefs in collaboration with local Harlem CAFÉ restaurants, and will vary by season and by the Center’s thematic focus. 1 Axonometric Drawing_Ground Floor A-003

THE CUBE/MAKER SPACE A hotbed of creative activity, students and THE CUBE/ learners of all ages will use everyday and MAKER SPACE unconventional materials to encourage experimentation and open-ended exploration.

1 Axonometric Drawing_Ground Floor 16 A-003 17 Second Floor

GALLERIES GALLERIES The Africa Center will present significant exhibitions of African art, history, and culture in conversation with our business and policy programming. Our Galleries allow us to showcase both large-scale traveling exhibitions and smaller installations representing artists from around the globe, as well as space for a potential artist-in- residence program.

1 Axonometric Drawing_Second Floor BALCONY/ATRIUM BRIDGES A-004 Visitors will find a place to pause, reflect and BALCONY/ ATRIUM relax on the balcony and bridges on the second BRIDGES and third floors overlooking the Grand Atrium/ Main Lobby. These spaces also serve as inspiring stages for performance.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER & THEATER The Africa Center will feature a state-of-the- art Performing Arts Center and Theater able to host a great variety of performances and 1 Axonometric Drawing_Second Floor audiences including theater, dance and music, as A-004 well as press conferences, scholarly lectures and symposia. PERFORMING ARTS CENTER & THEATER

1 Axonometric Drawing_Second Floor A-004

18 19 THE INSTITUTE AT THE AFRICA CENTER Third Floor THE INSTITUTE AT THE AFRICA CENTER

The Business Center From CEO’s and Presidents to young entrepreneurs, this is the ideal home away from home for meetings, work, and socializing. Convening leaders from across a variety of fields, the Business Center is a space to host, engage and discuss.

The Policy Center BALCONY/ATRIUM BRIDGES Policymakers, activists and diplomats will at long last have a permanent setting in New York City to discuss the pressing issues of the day. This hub of thought leadership is conveniently located adjacent to the Business Center.

DINING ROOM/DEMONSTRATION KITCHEN

As the centerpiece of the Center’s rentable events 2 Axonometric Drawing_Third FLoor Copy 1 DININGA-005 ROOM/ space, the Dining Room and Demonstration DEMONSTRATION Kitchen host a great variety of events, while KITCHEN featuring presentations from the continent’s most prominent and rising culinary stars.

CENTRAL PARK TERRACE Stunning views of Central Park and the New York skyline greet visitors as they arrive for receptions,

2 Axonometric Drawing_Third FLoor Copy 1 performances, film screenings, and educational A-005 events on the outdoor terrace. CENTRAL PARK TERRACE

20 21 2 Axonometric Drawing_Third FLoor Copy 1 A-005 Leadership

“The cultural epicenter of the Executive Team Board Corporate Council African diaspora in the United States is and always has been MANAGEMENT OFFICERS TRUSTEES

Harlem. Dana M. Reed Co-Chair Michaela de Pury With my dual perspective as Interim CEO Hadeel Ibrahim Co-Founder & Partner, de a resident of Harlem and as Executive Director, Strategy Pury & de Pury Philip Conte and External Relations, Mo an African-American business Executive Vice President, Ibrahim Foundation Benjamin Stein investor in Africa, I am looking Chief Financial Officer Founder & Managing Co-Chair Member, The Spruce House forward to building bridges Bridget Foley Chelsea Clinton Partnership of understanding between Vice President, Administration Vice Chair, Clinton Foundation Blair Miller Africans and Americans in the Impact Investing, Office of private and public sectors.” SENIOR ADVISORS President Ray Chambers Halima Dangote Fab 5 Freddy Dana M. Reed Executive Director, Maja Hoffmann Chief Creative Consultant Dangote Industries Ltd. Founder, LUMA Foundation Interim CEO Tess O’Dwyer Vice-Chair Jendayi Frazer Fundraising Strategist Ian Bruce Eichner President & CEO, Chairman and CEO, The 50 Ventures, LLC Continuum Company Kehinde Wiley Treasurer Artist Ashish J. Thakkar Founder, Mara Group & Mara Foundation

22 23 Support the Campaign to Capital Campaign Build The Africa Center Donors (as of March 2017) Our partners and donors: $12,000,000 + $500,000 + New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Mary Slack • Believe in the importance of educating Mitsui & Company and Nihon Unisys Americans about the diversity and $6,000,000 + dynamism of the African continent. New York State Development Corporation $350,000 + Access Bank plc • Recognize the need to provide African $4,000,000 + BUA leaders a platform in New York City. Aliko Dangote Foundation Chagoury Group • Understand that New York City, the Dangote Cement $3,000,000 + Forte Oil world’s second home, cannot be the Ibrahim Family Flour Mills of Nigeria cosmopolitan hub we rely on without a John Tishman Guaranty Trust Bank plc (GTB) center of gravity for Africa. Ford Foundation Seplat Brickman Associates • Gain access to a global network of United Bank for Africa (UBA) General Electric International Yinka Folawiyo Group influential leaders and change-makers Zenith Bank shaping the political, economic, and $1,000,000 + cultural future of Africa. Walt Disney $250,000 + Booth Ferris • Embrace the opportunity for RJR Nabisco Dr. Hania M. Fadl JP Morgan Chase advancement and recruitment of new Ian Bruce Eichner Jonathan Green talent and identification of new partners. David Rockefeller Benno Schmidt Jason Wright • Develop greater understanding of the Jane Katcher David Markin Benjamin Stein opportunities and complex landscape for Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Vincent and Anne Mai Family Foundation investment and doing business in Africa. National Endowment for the Humanities • Support the mission to advance African policy, business and culture of the 21st century.

24 25 2050Did you know? By one out of every four people in the world will be African.

Dana M. Reed, Interim CEO [email protected] 212-444-9795 theafricacenter.org theafricacenter 04-25-2017