Context:
Playful Obscura is an ongoing artist residency program and initiative focused on arthouse games, digital art, and interactive media by Africa-based creators. It is part of GamesConnect AFRICA—a regional project organized by the Goethe-Institut in partnership with A MAZE. and local creative hubs. Concepted by Vulane Mthembu, Safurat Balogun and Thorsten S. Wiedemann.
Residency Dates:
Playful Obscura First Editon: September 15–27, 2025 in Ho Region, Ghana
Playful Obscura Second Editon: April 13–May 1, 2026 in Accra, Ghana
Playful Obscura Third Editon: January 25 - February 14 2027 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Participanting Artists:
2025: Joanna Oluoch, Kenya + Ebenezer Miracle Gyedu Apau, Ghana
2026: Jamil Parasol Ramos, Angola + Mame Faty Kane, Senegal
2027: tbc
Created Works:
2025: Nyam3 by Joanna Oluoch
2025: Black Star VR by Ebenezer Miracle Gyedu Apau
2026: Bakulu by Parasol
2026: Fragments of a Path by Mame Faty Kane
Partners:
2025 Node8, Goethe-Institut Ghana and South Africa, A MAZE.
2026 Leti Arts, Goethe-Institut Ghana and South Africa, A MAZE.
2027 Goethe-Institut Addis Abeba, Creative HUB Ethiopia, British Council and Alliance Ethio-Française, A MAZE.
Previous Designs:
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