West African Cultural Arts Institute (WACAI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cultural arts organization based in Eugene, Oregon. WACAI’s mission is to share the joy and passion of Guinean culture through vibrant educational programs focusing on music and dance. These programs include drum and dance classes, school residencies and assemblies, performances and other community outreach events.
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West African Cultural Arts Institute was founded in February 2007 by Alseny Yansane and Andrea DiPalma Yansane when they relocated from Guinea to the United States. Committed and passionate about the cultural arts of Guinea, Alseny and Andrea formed this organization to give back to communities in West Africa as well as to connect with western students far and wide to teach about the transformational power of authentic Guinean dance, music and culture.
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WACAI’s board of directors and volunteers are made up of past and present students who have been deeply touched by WACAI’s programs and are dedicated to making them accessible to expansive audiences.