Cheick Hamala Diabate Institute for the Performing Arts

A monumental new performing arts institute in rural Mali.

The Cheick Hamala Diabaté Institute for the Performing Arts in Kita, Mali will manifest the dream of Malian Griot and musician, Cheick Hamala Diabaté by being a place of making and celebrating, in turn enhancing educational opportunities and the local economy. As a respected ambassador, holy man, storyteller, and musician, the Institute will be an extension of Cheick’s identity as a nurturing storyteller promoting people, place, and music throughout the world.

Inspiration

The Institute was designed as a self-sustaining, holistic campus for music, dance, instrument making, recording, and performing that will benefit the local community and economy. The design uses simple and powerful forms, indigenous materials and looks to local arts and crafts for inspiration.

Drawing inspiration from local textiles and artwork, as well as Kita’s organic network of streets and paths, our design laid out four elongated ‘bars’ that angle to create three shaded courtyards between, and an inviting central performance space. The steeply pitched roof of the performance hall defines the complex, framing views to Mt. Kita. Most of the spaces are open-air, with enclosure provided for instrument storage and repair, a recording studio, the medical clinic and kitchen.