A HOUSE IN MOTION

CAK is visited by some 100 people every day, taking part in dance classes and drum lessons, attending a concert, visiting an art exhibition, or seeking information about African culture.

CAK is unique in that it provides an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to become involved in African culture in an active and creative manner.  Here, African artists and cultural specialists are on a mission to engage the public in activities rooted in African culture. 

The process that led to the establishment of the Centre for the Promotion of African Culture (CAK) began in 1975, when a group of African students took the initiative to arrange African Cultural Days at Club 7, a legendary cultural centre of the period.  CAK was formally founded in 1977 as a non–profit organization with cultural objectives designed to serve the general public. CAK's mission was inspired by the UNESCO Declaration of the Principles of International Cultural Co–operation (1966 – Article V) which refers to "a right and a duty for all peoples and all nations … [to] share with one another their knowledge and skills".   It states that the signatory nations, including Norway, must resolve to develop and increase interchange between peoples and thus to generate mutual understanding and a truthful and fuller knowledge of intercultural relationships.

Through its organizational by–laws, CAK has committed itself to promoting knowledge, in Norway, about African culture and African–related cultures and to stimulate contact between Norwegians and Africans in the cultural area.  CAK’s strategy is to engage Norwegians and others of all ages as active participants rather than as passive observers of African performers. Our work is based on utilizing experts from African countries and the African Diaspora as teachers, and our activities concentrate on one or more African countries or cultural zones.

each year.  The staff members recruited from the featured nations and areas represent their respective countries and cultures in the Centre’s class, seminars and other cultural activities.

CAK’s administration consists of an artistic director and a managing director.  At the present time, the organization is led by a board of directors consisting of four members.  They are complemented by an advisory council of four members.   

Barth Niava

Terry Carter

Cherry Dona Valcin Nysveen
Randi Karoliussen

CAK – The Administration:

Artistic Director: Barth Niava

Managing Director: Randi Karoliussen

Barth Niava, CAK's founder and artistic director, was the recipient of the Norwegian FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION FOUNDATION PRIZE in 1988.  In 1990, Barth was named ARTIST OF THE YEAR by the City of Oslo, in recognition of his many cultural initiatives. CAK was awarded BLÅNISSEPRISEN 2001 by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) in acknowledgment of the Center’s contribution to Norwegian children’s understanding of African culture. When Norwegian Radio’s “Saturday Children’s Hour” celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2004, Barth Niava was honored with a special prize for his work of more than thirty years for and with children.