African photography: a few important events are coming up. On November 1, 2011 African photography will hold center stage in Bamako, Mali with the opening of “Rencontres de Bamako”  featuring African contemporary photographers. This year, the theme of this Biennale’s 9th edition is the quest for a sustainable world. The Rencontres /Encounters are a joint venture between the Malian and French ministries of Culture and aim to support African artists’ creativity. It will be on view until Jan 1, 2012. Folllowing closely, Paris Photo opens on November 10at the Grand Palais in Paris. This year’s focus is African photography from Bamako to Capetown. Reports on both will be posted after mid november.

African travel and art: Isabel S Wilcox is off to Mali with the Museum for African art to visit historical sites and artistic centers in up country Mali. The very knowledgeable, Jerry Vogel is guiding the group. A good stay in Bamako follows with the Photography Biennale being the main focus, then off to Paris for Paris Photo. Reports on the wonders of Mali will be forthcoming.