Turun taiteilijaseura

Taf taf 

Taf taf is a cooperation project between Turku Artists’ Association and a residential association in Dakar Senegal. The inhabitants of the suburb of Santhiaba are in charge of the project, which works for the general improvement of the poor neighbourhood. Taf taf was started in 2004 and it cooperates with various universities and other schools in Finland.

Suñu Kër -centre

Suñu Kër community centre is the base of all activities. Children’s rights and art clubs, literacy courses and women’s club meet in weekly bases. Artists of different fields have a possibility to practice in the centre and handicraft courses are held regularly. Outdoor activities include planting trees, repairing old wells and tiding up the neighbourhood.  The Centre is also a meeting place for people to gather and spend time with each other.

Library

Taf taf library is one the few public libraries in Senegal. Books are mainly in French, but there are also some in the local language of wolof, including two Finnish children’s books which have been translated within the project. Taf taf library was started in cooperation with Turku University of Applied Sciences and it is financed by the Foreign Ministry of Finland. 

Residency program

Residency program is open for artists and other professionals as well as for students of different fields. All projects are done in cooperation with the people of Santhiaba and they often contribute to the ongoing activities. Finnish students have a possibility of doing their practical training in local schools and hospitals and in Taf taf library. The residence is located in Suñu Kër Centre.