Ainga is a polysemic Malagasy term. It has its roots in the words fibatana meaning “to lift,” fialana meaning “to start,” hevitra mitombina iaingana translating as “basic principle,” mandeha evoking the idea of leaving, and tombon-dalana which means having a head-start in a race.
Ainga is the combination of all these notions, and takes shape in the context of Fondation H by supporting the careers of artists from the Indian Ocean through the organization of intensive, professionalizing workshops held regularly in Antananarivo. The Ainga program is entirely free of charge.
Since 2023, Fondation H has been an accredited training organization by the Malagasy State. This enables it, in the absence of training linked to the artist's profession in Madagascar, to issue state-certified training attestations to artists taking part in the various Ainga modules.
Ainga 2024
In 2024, the Ainga training program offers seven new modules:
- Artistic residency
- Building an artistic approach
- Exhibition mediation
- History of Malagasy plastic arts
- Masterclass on artistic production
- Introduction to the history of African photography
- Masterclass on curating an exhibition
From April 8 to 12, the first module of 2024 of the Ainga Training program was held, focusing on artistic residency and led by Vincent Gonzalvez of the Cité internationale des arts in Paris. For five days, participants benefit from 30 hours of theoretical and practical sessions. Speakers for this module include Margaux Huille, Director of Fondation H, Céline Seror, curator of the exhibition Memoria: récits d'une autre Histoire, Marianne Dollo, Art Advisor, for portfolio readings, and artists Justine Gaga, Amalia Ramanankirahina and Charlotte Yonga to share their residency experiences.
Training objectives include understanding the principles and benefits of artistic residencies, learning about selection criteria, writing a professional portfolio, developing skills in preparing a convincing application and mastering the different forms of artistic residencies.
The participants in this 2024 module are: Vonjiniaina Ratovonirina, Olivia Bourgois, Carine Ratovonirina, Joey Aresoa, Mahefa Dimbiniaina, Ophélia Ralamboson, Dina Nomena Andriarimanjaka, Ashiko Ratovo, Mbolatiana Raoilison (Clipse Teean), Andy Rasoloharivony, Finoana Ratovo and Miranto Rafanomezana.
The second module of Ainga 2024 training program, focusing on building an artistic approach, takes place from July 29 to 31. Over three days, the participants benefit from 18 hours of theoretical and practical sessions. Led by Hobisoa Raininoro, Program manager of Fondation H, the module aims to help young artists define and develop their artistic identity.
The participants in this 2024 module are: Andrianahaga Raivo, Andrianjaka Nancy, Andrianjaka Tiffany, Andriantsoa Miangaly Elia, Boto Maeva Soatiana, Caboche F. Niaina Melissa, Rabarivony Sandra Nantenaina, Raharimbelo Felaniaina Maeva, Ramaherison Miaro Tanjona, Ranaivo Rahamefy Miora Ryoma, Randrianjakatiana Alan, Rarivoson Fifaliana Michaël, Razafindraleva Andriantsoa Heritiana.
From August 8 to 10, Fondation H is collaborating with the Centre de Ressources des Arts Actuels de Madagascar (CRAAM) for an off-site module on exhibition mediation. Through 15 hours of theoretical and practical courses, at CRAAM and at Fondation H, this training course targets students and graduates in cultural mediation and cultural professionals.
On August 8, the first part of the training takes place at CRAAM, with a theoretical review of the principles, objectives, challenges and mechanisms of cultural mediation.
On August 9 and 10, Fondation H hosts the second part of the training, with an observation of mediation around the current exhibition Memoria : récits d'une autre Histoire [Memoria: accounts of another History]. For the practical session, the participants are invited to practice developing mediation devices.
The participants in this 2024 module are: Andrianiaina Rijarimanana Fabrice, Andry Andréas Jamis, Dilma Délorme, Rafetison Marianà Mirantsoa, Ramangason Miaharavo Andreas, Randriarimanga Jeremy, Rasoanantenaina Juordana Anaximène, Rasoanirina Delphie Youricia, Ratsimbazafy Herimanitra, Ravoahangimampianinalijohnne Ny Maeva Avotra Nomena, Razanamiarivony Francia Nandrianina, Raharinirina Salohy Nandrianina Francia Evah, Rajaonarison Ando fandresena Fleurice, Rakotonindrina Tsiry.
From September 5 to November 21, Ainga training program is offering a module focusing on the History of Malagasy plastic arts.
Every Thursday from 3pm to 5pm, classes are taught by Hemerson Andrianetrazafy, artist and art historian.
Open to all free of charge, the aims of this module about the history of Malagasy plastic arts are to give participants a detailed vision of the evolution of art in Madagascar, enable them to identify and situate artistic expressions in their socio-cultural and temporal contexts, and to encourage them to reflect on the meaning of their own approaches.
- September 5: Art and society: material culture and the foundations of Malagasy society
- September 12: The arts of life
- September 19: Funerary art and ancestralization processes: the representation of nature and the supernatural
- September 26: The introduction of painting and the aesthetic revolution of the 19th century
- October 3: The first generation of Malagasy artists
- October 10: Colonization and colonial cultural policy
- October 17: Artistic training mechanisms for the emergence of Malagasy art
- October 31: The world and painting in colonial society
- November 2: The first manifestations of modern art in Madagascar
- November 7: The 90s: the first conceptual experiments
- November 14: Contemporaneity and the emergence of meaningful art
- November 21: Restitution of the training
All courses are free and open to all.
From September 16 to 19, 4 masterclasses for artists and cultural professionals, entirely free of charge, will take place over 4 days, and will be given by the international professionals Morgane Cartron (Production Manager at Association PitonTriangle, La Réunion), François-Xavier Gbré (Artist photographer, France, Ivory Coast), Nadine Hounkpatin (Co-curator of the exhibition Memoria : récits d’une autre Histoire [Memoria: accounts of another History], France) and Mary Sibande (Multidisciplinary artist, South Africa).
- September 16, from 9am to 12pm, Morgane Cartron (Production Manager at Association Piton Triangle, La Réunion) discusses the production of cultural events, including spatio-temporal, budgetary and logistical issues. This module is aimed at cultural professionals.
- September 17, from 9am to 12pm,François-Xavier Gbré (Artist photographer, France, Ivory Coast) shares his expertise on fine art photography and photo book publishing, from exhibition to publication. This session, in partnership with the Festival Sar’Nao Mois de la photo, is aimed specifically at professional photographers.
- September 18, Nadine Hounkpatin (Co-curator of the exhibition Memoria : récits d’une autre Histoire [Memoria: accounts of another History], France) speaks on a curator's to-do list, using the current exhibition Memoria : récits d’une autre Histoire [Memoria: accounts of another History] as a case study. This masterclass is aimed at artists, cultural professionals and exhibition managers.
- September 19, from 9am to 12pm,Mary Sibande (multidisciplinary artist, South Africa) leads a masterclass from the artistic approach to the production of works of art. This session is especially designed for artists.
From November 25 to 27, in collaboration with the Sar'Nao/Mois de la photo festival, Ainga training program offers a specific module about the history of African photography, led by Julie Bonzon, art historian, photography curator and advisor, with support from Pro Helvetia Johannesburg, the Swiss Arts Council.
Addressed to photographers, cultural journalists, and critical writers, this module aims to offer participants an introduction to the history of photography and contemporary photographic practices, using the African continent as a point of reference. Alternating between theoretical courses and group discussions in the morning and exhibition visits and artist studio tours in the afternoon, this three-day workshop focuses on the role of photography as a tool, an instrument of protest and liberation, and/or a means of introspection.
- 9am - 12pm: Theoretical session
“Studio photography and portraiture in West and East Africa”
Location: Fondation H
- 1:30pm - 4:30pm: Visits and meetings at Studio Fireflies Ambohimiandra
- 9am - 12pm: Theoretical session
”Documentary and journalistic practice in South Africa”
Location: Fondation H
- 1:30pm - 4:30pm: Discussions with Rijasolo (Photographer) at Fondation H and visit to 19 : 19, solo exhibition by Nofy Rajernerson (Photographer) at the Institut Français Madagascar, Analakely.
- 9am - 12pm: Theoretical session
“The use of historical and/or family archives in the work of contemporary artists active in North and Central Africa ”
Location: Fondation H
- 1:30pm - 4:30pm: Visits to the National Archives, Tsaralalana
On Tuesday December 3, from 9am to 12pm, Fondation H invites Aude Christel Mgba, curator at the Museum de Fundatie, Netherlands and KADIST advisor, and curator of Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense program, for a masterclass oncurating an exhibition. This masterclass aims to provide a space for exchange between the curator and participants, while offering theoretical and practical tools for designing exhibitions and public programs based on the practical case of Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense.
Aude Christel Mgba is an independent curator and art historian based between the Netherlands and Cameroon. She participated in the De Appel 2018/19 curatorial program. In 2017, she worked as assistant curator for SUD2017, an international triennial of art in public space public space, organized by Doual'art, a contemporary art center, for the city of Douala. She is a member of the Madrassa collective, a group of eight curators from Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Her stay in Antananarivo is supported by KADIST, a non-profit contemporary art organization based in Paris, France and San Francisco, USA.
The 2023 edition of Ainga training program offered some 30 artists two different, complementary modules: a module on art history taught by Hemerson Andrianetrazafy, consisting of 30 hours of theoretical and practical courses on Western art, African art and Malagasy art; and a module on how to organize an exhibition, comprising 50 hours of theoretical and practical sessions with various local and international speakers.
This module focuses on an intensive exploration of the history of art, from its beginnings to contemporary times. It delves into the roots of art and follows its evolution over different periods of time. The module goes deeply into the lives and work of several notable artists, offering a detailed analysis of their major contributions as well as their influence on the international art scene.
The participants in this 2023 module are: Agathina Rakotomalala, Baritiana Rakotoarimanana , Tsikisarobidy Jonathan Rasolofomanana, Yves Robinson, Dina Nomena Andriarimanjaka, Finiavana Raharisandratana, Jules Bosco Bezaka, Mahandry Rakotomanga, Mamy Misandratra Nirina Ranaivoson, Natoa Rasolonjatovo, Nirintsoa Nomena Clarck Rabeony, Ny Antsa Raoël Randretsamanana and Ravakiniaina Riantsoa Ramandimbiharijao.
This module is a major component of the training program, aimed at equipping participants with the key skills and knowledge about the critical steps for successfully setting up an art exhibition. According to their respective fields of expertise, the various contributors deal with topics around the essential tools for planning, designing and organizing an exhibition, tackling aspects such as artistic concept, spatial layout, visual communication, among others.
The contributors to the module on how to set up an exhibition are Fondation H team members, Georgina Maxim, Marie-Claire Messouma Manlanbien, Ntone Edjabe, Pascale Obolo and Greta Rodriguez.
The participants in this 2023 module are: Antso Tsiriniaina Rajaobelison, Soa Fandresena Rakotomalala, Ophélia Arilala Ralamboson, Tanteliniaina Ramarozatovo, Jean-nirina Razafindralambo, Dina Nomena Andriarimanjaka, Finiavana Raharisandratana, Jules Bosco Bezaka, Mahandry Rakotomanga, Mamy Misandratra Nirina Ranaivoson, Natoa Rasolonjatovo, Nirintsoa Nomena Clarck Rabeony, Ny Antsa Raoël Randretsamanana and Ravakiniaina Riantsoa Ramandimbiharijao.
The first edition of Ainga training program in 2022 aimed to help artists develop and manage their artistic career. The training was primarily designed to promote understanding of the challenges of career development, to assist in defining a career path aligned with the creative approach, and to develop an understanding of the art market and international art institutions. Participants learned how to identify production aids, how to design and set up exhibitions, and how to manage the inventory and conservation of their artworks. The training modules covered introduction to the art market, career management, art project design, exhibition organization, simplified management, inventory and conservation, image and network management, social network management, stress management and public speaking.
The first edition of the intensive workshops featured the following artists: Temandrota, Mahefa Rasamuel, Mat Li, Naty Kaly, Richianny Ratovo, Mahefa Dimbiniaina Randrianarivelo, Natoa Rasolonjatovo, Clipse Enbourg, Mendrika Ratsimba, Andri Marcel, Mialisoa Razafintsalama, Nirintsoa Farakze, Olivia Bourgois, Ashiko Ratovo, Tsiki Sarobidy, Faiza, Felana Rajaonarivelo, Marie Malvasio, Serge Rakoto et Sleeping Pop in the professional development of their artistic careers.
