East African Slave Trade Exhibit

PROJECT

I had the honour and the privilege to lead the creation of the heritage center and permanent East African Slave Trade Exhibit project. Funds and qualified staff were short. This left nearly every role in my hands.

The permanent exhibit is located on the site of the last official slave trade market in East Africa on the island of Zanzibar. It focuses on the height of the slave trade period from 1800 to 1909. During this time, two thirds of the island was inhabited by slaves either living there or passing through.

The exhibit is in a UNESCO heritage building, without air conditioning or consistent electricity. Faced with unique location challenges, it had to be designed to withstand time, humidity, and mishaps.

The panels were printed on coated metal plates guaranteed to not fade for fifty years. They were mounted on custom heavy steel frames. Steel beams were sunk into the ceilings and industrial cables were installed to support the weight of the panels.

ROLES

Creative Direction, Project Management, Interior Architecture, Lighting Design, Historical Research, Image Research, Graphic Design, Copywriting, Editing, Translation Supervision, Print Procurement, Press Check, Installation Management

CLIENT

World Monument Fund (WMF)
Most funding from the EU and the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation

Restoration of the UNESCO world heritage church located where the “last” slave market stood.

Guests filling up Room One on opening day.

Former Tanzanian Anglican archbishop stands proudly next to a photo of his grandfather Cecil Majaliwa, the first freed slave from the Universities’ Mission to become a priest.

Room One

Room one contained the sections: Home, Journey (from the mainland to Zanzibar), Slave Market, Destination (where they ended up after being sold). Side panels included information about the clove and ivory trade and how it impacted the East African slave trade.

Room Two

Room Two start the Freedom panel series. They focus on the British sudden outcry to abolish slavery after supporting it for hundreds of years. I converted a storage and toilet room into what is now Room Two, limited space and so much story to tell. This is also the path leading to Room Three.

Room Three

Room three contains the sections: Freedom, Legacy, and Modern Day Slavery. Additional panels include the Cathedral. Missions, and famous individuals who made significant contributions to the abolishment of East African Slavery.