As part of ROOTS, an exhibition presented by Cultish Studio, the cultural studio of Publicis Luxe, in the OFF of the Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles, the Air Afrique collective was invited to design an exceptional carte blanche on July 10, 2025. A day punctuated by a round table and a concert, which brought together diasporic memories, archives and contemporary creation.
Founded in 2021 in Paris, Air Afrique brings together a generation of creatives from the African diaspora, driven by the desire to reactivate the imagery of the pan-African airline of the same name (1961–2002). Emblematic of an ideal of circulation, cultural pride, and postcolonial unity, Air Afrique today takes the form of a multidisciplinary artistic platform.
The collective develops projects at the intersection of visual arts, publishing, music, film, and performance. It is behind an annual magazine distributed internationally, a monthly film club in Paris, exhibitions combining archives and contemporary creation, as well as notable collaborations with Louis Vuitton, Nike, and Bottega Veneta. In 2025, their projects will be presented at the MET and MoMA.
In Arles, the carte blanche on July 10th was divided into three parts:
From 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., a roundtable discussion moderated by Amandine Nana, editor-in-chief of Air Afrique magazine, will bring together photographer Allan Arma and South African artist Lebohang Kganye to discuss the issues of transmission, visual memory, and diasporic creation. Registration is required in the Grand Salon du Collatéral.
At 7:00 p.m., a free outdoor concert will feature the Caribbean jazz band Mitan.
At 10:00 p.m., a DJ set by Andy 4000, an established figure on the European electronic scene.
This invitation is part of Cultish Studio’s commitment to opening unique cultural spaces by connecting artists, thinkers, and creators from diverse backgrounds. Through the presence of Air Afrique, ROOTS becomes the stage for a vibrant dialogue between shared heritages and evolving futures.
https://www.instagram.com/airafrique_/?hl=fr
https://www.instagram.com/cultish.studio/?hl=fr
https://www.instagram.com/publicisluxe/?hl=fr
