The Savannah African Art Museum has extended the deadline for submissions to their worldwide virtual art exhibit, “And the Children Speak,” with the extended submission deadline of Jan. 31, 2025. This exhibit invites children through the age of 18 to express their thoughts and feelings about current events. Originally launched in 2020 during the onset of Covid and amid civil unrest, the program returns to provide a platform for young voices around the globe to speak through their creativity. 

The inspiration for the 2020 exhibit is a traditional greeting of the Maasai people of Africa, "Kasserian Ingera," which translates, “how are the children?” Generally, the reply is "Sepati Ingera," which translates, “the children are well.” This to convey that the well-being of the upcoming generation is a good measure of the community's well-being. During Maasai Chief Joseph ole Tipanko’s November visit to the museum, this was his reply when learning that the “And The Children Speak” initiative was inspired by the greeting, "Kasserian Ingera? (How Are The Children?), that is how we great each other in Maasai Land because there is NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT to us than the lives, health and happiness of our children. And we Maasai People of East Africa hope for health and happiness for the children in your lives and all of the children of the world".

“We hope that by extending the deadline, more children will be able to experience the transformative power of art,” said the Museum’s Education and Community Outreach Liaison, Lisa Jackson. "Art not only plays a vital role in the development of children but also sparks creativity and inspires change, so we’re eager to see how this exhibit will do just that.” 

Submission requirements are posted on the museum’s webpage: https://www.savannahafricanartmuseum.org/2020-workshops/08-1. For more information about Chief Joseph ole Tipanko and The Maasai Development Incorporated, visit https://maasai-development.com/. 

The Savannah African Art Museum is a non-profit institution devoted to spreading awareness and appreciation of African culture. They hold a vast collection of objects that hail from West and Central Africa. The museum's collection spans numerous countries and cultures. For more information about the museum, access virtual tours, workshops, and initiatives, please visit www.savannahafricanartmuseum.org or follow them on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest using the handle @SavannahAfricanArtMuseum.