POINTE-À-PITRE.- The first major Caribbean cultural institution dedicated to the Slave trade, the
Mémorial ACTe is a memorial site, resource centre on the history of Slavery and Human rights and forum of expression for the growing Caribbean contemporary art scene. This vibrant venue aims to be a scientific, historical and artistic leading institution in this broad area of the world.
Genesis of the project
Initiated by the President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe, Victorin LUREL, and the Region Guadeloupe acting on a proposal from the Comité International des Peuples Noirs (CIPN), the Mémorial ACTe project was launched with the intent to be a place of remembrance of the history of the Slave Trade, opened to the contemporary world. The History of slavery belongs to Guadeloupeans and residents of the Caribbean, but it also concerns the whole of Humanity. This memorial and research site brings together all populations around a common past, but most importantly, it encourages them to reflect on the notion of liberty, on fundamental freedoms and on ''living together''. In 2014, NGO estimated that 36 million people were still living in slavery-like conditions. This number proves that the reflections engaged by the Mémorial ACTe remain relevant today.
The Mémorial ACTe has been conceived and designed not only as a commemorative site, but also as a venue dedicated to showcasing today's artistic and cultural diversity. It intends to develop a multidisciplinary program thanks to its 7534 ft2 temporary exhibition space – a flexible, multipurpose 256 seats auditorium, which can adapt to the performance arts requirements.
The Mémorial ACTe, new architectural flagship in Guadeloupe
Ships passing by Pointe-à-Pitre cannot missed the nearly 77,000 ft2 Memorial ACTe, built on the iconic industrial site of the former sugar factory of Darboussier. Silver web on top of black boxes made out of granite, the Mémorial ACTe is summed up by the formula ‘‘Sylver Roots on a black box’’. The building project management is ensured by a group of architects composed of Pascal Berthelot, Jean-Michel Mocka-Celestine, Fabien Dore and Michael Marton. Besides, the Mémorial ACTe features a footbridge designed by architect Marc MIMRAM, rising to 36ft, towards the Morne de la Mémoire.
In the heart of the Mémorial ACTe
Assigned to the famous museographer François CONFINO, the permanent exhibition offers visitors an historical and artistic journey into the history of slavery and slave trade. The immersive and interactive thematic visit composed into six sequences engages audiences of all ages. Screenings, reconstitutions, archives, museum artifacts and contemporary artworks allow visitors to fully understand the origins and issues of slavery, and, by opposition, the importance of continuing the fight for freedom of every human beings, regardless race and origins.
The 6 exhibition archipelagos:
1. The Americas
2. Towards the slavery and the Black slave trade
3. The slavery era.
4. The slavery abolition.
5. Post-slavery and Apartheid.
6. Present.
Caribbean Image Festival
Photography and moving images
The Mémorial ACTe opened its door simultaneously with the first edition of the Caribbean Image Festival. This festival presented Caribbean images, by shining a light on the artistic talent from the Caribbean. Local contemporary artists' point of view is preferred, but the festival also displayed images taken by foreigners.
Serving as a regional institution, a cultural centre, and place of remembrance of the slave trade, the Mémorial ACTe embraces the Caribbean cultural diversity by giving a large place to images, and by promoting local emerging talents.
The first edition is being held from May 27th to November 1st, 2015. It features about 10 exhibitions, more than 500 images and 80 short films, in addition to forums and workshops. The temporary exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of the President of the French Republic, François Hollande, as a preview of the Caribbean Image Festival.
