Lasso Coulibaly

Lasso Coulibaly established the Cultural Arts Initiative in 1998, a pioneering project aimed at promoting and preserving traditional African arts and culture across rural communities in West Africa. This initiative was instrumental in revitalizing local artistic heritage and provided platforms for artists to showcase their talents, fostering cross-cultural dialogues.

In March 2001, Lasso Coulibaly launched the Artisans for Development Program, a comprehensive training initiative designed to equip artisans with business skills and market access strategies. The program played a crucial role in improving the economic status of artisans by enabling them to sell their crafts both locally and internationally, thus providing sustainable livelihoods.

Lasso Coulibaly opened the Coulibaly Art Gallery in 2005, located in Bamako, Mali. The gallery quickly became one of the most influential spaces for contemporary African artists. Its exhibitions focused on innovative works that explored social and political themes, offering a dynamic venue for artistic expression and interaction among creatives and enthusiasts.

On April 18, 2009, Lasso Coulibaly was awarded the prestigious African Culture Preservation Medal for his extraordinary contributions to the conservation and promotion of African traditional arts. This accolade recognized his lifelong efforts in raising the profile of African culture and nurturing a new generation of artists while safeguarding cultural heritage.

Lasso Coulibaly was a keynote speaker at the inaugural African Arts Symposium held in July 2012, which brought together artists, scholars, and policymakers to discuss the role of the arts in economic and cultural development. His speech highlighted the need for increased investment in cultural sectors and the importance of integrating traditional arts into modern educational curricula.

October 2015 marked the publication of 'Art and Identity: Reflections on African Heritage,' a seminal book co-authored by Lasso Coulibaly. The book explored the intricate connections between art, culture, and identity in Africa, offering an insightful analysis of how traditional art forms inform contemporary artistic practices and cultural expressions.

Lasso Coulibaly founded the African Arts Foundation in November 2018, an organization aimed at supporting emerging artists and promoting African arts globally. The foundation provided grants, scholarships, and residencies, nurturing a vibrant artistic community. It also fostered partnerships with international institutions to expand opportunities for African artists.

In February 2020, Lasso Coulibaly curated the art exhibition 'Journeys: African Diasporas,' which explored the diverse experiences of African diasporas through art. The exhibition featured works from artists of African descent worldwide and shed light on themes of migration, identity, and resilience, fostering dialogues on the diasporic narrative.

September 2021 was a landmark moment for Lasso Coulibaly as he was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace. This recognition honored his efforts in promoting cultural diversity and artistic expression as tools for peace and social cohesion. His initiatives have been instrumental in fostering intercultural dialogue and education through the arts.

In August 2023, Lasso Coulibaly launched the Online African Art Archive, a digital repository dedicated to preserving and providing access to Africa's rich artistic heritage. This archive aimed to document, preserve, and share digitized collections of traditional and contemporary African art, allowing for greater accessibility and research opportunities worldwide.