Innocent Mutanga is founder and CEO of Africa Center Hong Kong Ltd. He also currently holds a position at Goldman Sachs, a major investment bank. His diverse background includes social entrepreneurship, finance, and community development. He is dedicated to rebranding blackness, connecting communities, and raising black consciousness.  

IVLP Impact Award Project: Rebranding Blackness in Public Spaces through African and African American Arts in Hong Kong

The project addresses the persistent challenges of discrimination and negative stereotypes faced by Africans living in Hong Kong. These challenges encompass various aspects of daily life, such as limited access to financial services, transportation, accommodation, and medical services. With a primary focus on promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), this project recognizes the influential power of arts education from African artists as a catalyst for transformative change.  

Through nine cultural workshops held in diverse public spaces such as parks, community centers, and libraries, Innocent’s project challenges stereotypical perspectives on Africans by providing platforms, spaces, and opportunities for the public to explore African art and culture. Workshop topics include African drumming, African arts, and Hip-Hop dancing. This project hopes to combat discrimination, foster cultural diplomacy, and drive a profound shift in societal perceptions. 

In August and September of 2024, Innocent delivered five workshops at the Africa Center in Hong Kong, engaging 103 community members. The workshops focused on basket weaving, African drumming, and creating postcards based on the artistic styles of the Ndebele people’s culture. Innocent has scheduled two more interactive art and culture workshops for late October. He reported that “through hands-on workshop participation, the public [has] had a chance to know more about African culture.”

“Art has the power to challenge stereotypes, foster inclusion and promote cross cultural understanding.” – Innocent Mutanga 

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Innocent participated in the IVLP Project The Problem We All Live With: Dismantling Racial and Social Injustice organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center, in partnership with Global Ties Akron, World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, Presidential Precinct, and the New York Program Branch.  

Innocent’s exchange experience led to the development of his project: “During my IVLP experience…I had the opportunity to engage with various organizations and participate in activities that deepened my understanding of racial inequality and the challenges faced by Black communities. These valuable insights have significantly influenced my approach to the IVLP Impact Award project that I will be implementing in Hong Kong, which aims to challenge stereotypes about blackness and promote cultural appreciation.”  

U.S. Communities Visited

New York City, NY; Akron, OH; Dallas, TX; Charlottesville, VA 

Location: Hong Kong SAR China

 

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