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Marcus Neustetter \ Report from Africa
growing a network and an information exchange base. Even though these institutions are working in the field of digital activity, the digital communication tools and strategies are not yet applied to use them effectively for creating an inclusive network and communication. An organisation such as Africancolours.com is however differently focused. Based in Zimbabwe and operating online, their main aim is to create an information and communication exchange through the net for artists from the region. Making use of the internet cafĂŠ for training and partnerships with other projects, Africancolours.com has built a information hub that uses the medium to profile creative activities on the continent. While the profile is not specifically digital or new media art this is an effective method of introducing the platform, the technology and the challenges to the artistic community. Similarly, the Triangle Arts Network, which has an extensive residency network around the world, is currently engaging on more effective use of the net for their communication exchange. Within Africa specifically there has been extensive training of artists in the skills of web development, which allows for a growing skills base that not only contributes to their online presence as a network and informs us about the artists, the workshops, exhibitions and outcomes, but creates e-mail literate community that understands the value of information exchange. In attempting to network organisations such as these on the continent in order to create a stronger foundation for sharing and development, strategies need to be applied, which are sensitive to the complexities of the political climate, the concerns with poverty and health, literacy and access, and basic survival. Currently the UNESCO Digi-Arts Africa programme is attempting to develop such strategies that aim to build a network with the local communities can take ownership of. Through research on the creative industries it has become clear that there is a lack of communication within the region, which could be as a result of informal networks not yet having been addressed effectively. Imposed top-down structures for communication and exchange are not creating buy-in and allowing communities to take ownership and make use of them. Q: How communication process is realizing itself with language barrier existing as Anglophone and Francophone Africa? A: The communication on the continent is made more difficult through the Anglo and Francophone divides. Communication and information systems such as websites are rarely bilingual and are set up to service a specific community and region. This enforces barriers and makes it more difficult for interested and active individuals and organisations to learn from their neighbours, respond theoretically or be able to apply strategies for a more unified voice, as well as production and theoretical approach. Another influencing factor are the African vernacular languages that often map very different networks and interactions to the individuated nation states. A language bar-