The Ballanta Academy of Music
& Performing Arts
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Partner program
Since 2024
The Ballanta Academy is an established music program that has operated in the capital city of Freetown, Sierra Leone since 1995. Teaching classical forms of music, the Ballanta Academy now also offers courses in traditional music and dance, as well as ensemble performance, and includes an all-girls brass band.
PFCF has formed a partnership with Ballanta and the World Monuments Fund (WMF) as WMF is currently rehabilitating the historic Old Fourah Bay College in Freetown and is working with PFCF and Ballanta to repurpose this building into a music program and recording studio. The WMF is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic architecture and cultural heritage sites around the world through fieldwork, advocacy, grantmaking, education, and training.
The Old Fourah Bay College in Freetown
Established in 1827, it was the first university of Western education in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2021, WMF embarked on a project to carry out emergency stabilization of Old Fourah Bay College and implement a planning and design process for the structure’s rehabilitation.
VIDEO OVERVIEW: TAKE A VISIT AT THE PROGRAM
Life in the community
The city of Cusco is nestled in the heart of the Andes Mountains,and stands as a living testament to the rich cultural heritage of Peru. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco’s cobblestone streets and ancient stone walls still bear witness to its glorious past. Beyond its architectural marvels, Cusco pulses with a vibrant and diverse musical heritage. Traditional Andean melodies, characterized by the haunting tones of panpipes and drums, blend seamlessly with Spanish influences, giving rise to unique genres of music. Cachimayo is a town of nearly 3,000 inhabitants located 30 minutes away of Cuzco, with an altitude of 3,400 meters.
