As one of the main anchors of the thriving Arts and Culture Center, established by the Menomadin Foundation subsidiary in Angola Fundação Arte e Cultura, the Wyza Amphitheater is a modular performance venue suitable for hosting various types of cultural, artistic and musical performances and events. In addition, the property serves as a yielding asset, providing companies, entrepreneurs and businesses in Angola with an alternative site to hold corporate conferences and events in the Luanda Island region (Ilha de Luanda) as part of their social responsibility strategy.
The Background
The Ilha region of Luanda is a popular location for recreation and leisure, and a favorite area for for holding professional events, conferences and lectures as it allows the many international corporations operating in Angola to combine business with fun and pleasure. The demand for suitable meeting venues in the island exceeds supply, especially for sites that benefit the local community.
The Challenge
During the construction of the Arts and Culture Center in 2019, the Fundação management sought ways to maximize the potential of the property from both a financial and social perspective.
Working within the confines of the complex, it was important to establish a cultural platform so that the center fulfills its educational purpose in the field of arts and culture, and cultivate a community around it. Additionally, the management wanted the center to provide an economic boost to the neighborhood, drawing tourists and visitors to what was expected to become a prominent attraction. And finally, it wanted to provide the Fundação a source of income that will enable it to be sustainable and economically independent.
After considering different options, it was decided to convert an old swimming pool into a venue.
A Menomadin Foundation Strategic Philanthropy initiative: Being the only venue in the region where local residents can enjoy performances and entertainment shows free of charge, the Wyza Amphitheater quickly became the beating heart of the neighborhood, making Angola’s extraordinary art and culture accessible to the community. Photos by: Fundação Arte e Cultura
The Opportunity
The Wyza Amphitheater is a multi-purpose space suitable for the various performing arts, as well as for professional lectures and conferences. It is named after the late Angolan singer and songwriter Wyza Kendi, who was an avid fan of the Fundação’s work. In addition, the word “wyza” means “come” in the local Kikongo language – a welcoming invitation for the residents to take part in the activities that take place at the site.
Being the only venue in the Ilha region where local residents can enjoy performances and entertainment shows free of charge, the Wyza Amphitheater quickly became the beating heart of the neighborhood, making Angola’s extraordinary art and culture accessible to the community. The Wyza hosts live music performances, theatre shows, poetry reading events, exhibitions, lectures and workshops, film screenings, and the Fundação original performances featuring local talent.
Its 300-person capacity enables the Fundação to host cultural displays and shows, while offering a solution for companies looking to hold events in the area. Since it was founded, the venue demonstrated a 30% annual increase in demand for hosting business events.
Over time, we expect the Amphitheater to generate enough profits to finance further growth and provide resources to enable expanding the Fundação Arte e Cultura’s activities and reach in the Ilha neighborhood and the city of Luanda, thus increasing its social impact both within and beyond the community.
