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ABOUT US

ISSAMBA Centre is a Black-led, Black-serving cultural and community organization advancing the visibility and appreciation of African and Afro-descendant cultures in Canada. Grounded in arts, culture, education, and community leadership, we serve as a hub where culture fosters connection, empowerment, and social inclusion.

Through festivals, performances, educational programs, youth initiatives, and community dialogues, we create accessible spaces that strengthen community ties, support artistic expression, and contribute to a more inclusive cultural landscape.

Our History

ISSAMBA Centre operates under African Art & Cultural Community Contributor CCC Inc. (AACCCS), founded on October 19, 2012, under the 3C Act by community leader Pulchérie Mboussi.

Originally from Cameroon and based in Canada since the mid-1980s, Pulchérie Mboussi established ISSAMBA Centre as a space for cultural expression and community building in Victoria, BC. Since 2013, the Centre has delivered sustained cultural programming across British Columbia and Québec. In 2020, it was mandated by the Government of British Columbia as the Community Convener for people of African descent, leading the BC Resilience Project and the Black in BC report.

Our Mission

To advance awareness and understanding of African and Afro-descendant cultures through cultural, educational, and artistic initiatives, while preserving cultural heritage and supporting the social, cultural, and economic well-being of Black communities in Canada.

Our Commitment

We are committed to equity, accessibility, collaboration, and cultural integrity.

Issamba Centre partners with artists, community organizations, public institutions, and funders to ensure that African and Afro-descendant cultures are celebrated, respected, and sustained, today and for generations to come.

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What We Do

Our Impact

Issamba Centre delivers inclusive, community-driven programming that responds to the lived realities and aspirations of African and Afro-descendant communities. Our work includes:

Arts & Culture: Festivals, performances, exhibitions, and artist residencies that showcase African and Afro-descendant creativity.
Youth Leadership & Education: Programs that foster leadership, cultural pride, mentorship, and civic engagement among youth aged 12–25.
Community Engagement: Dialogues, workshops, and gatherings that promote intercultural understanding, social cohesion, and collective well-being.
Cultural Preservation: Initiatives that honor African heritage, oral traditions, and intergenerational knowledge.
Economic & Creative Empowerment: Support for artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural workers through markets, showcases, and professional development opportunities.
Wherever possible, our activities are free or low-cost, removing barriers to participation and ensuring broad community access.

Issamba Centre plays a vital role in strengthening Canada’s cultural ecosystem by:

Supporting Black artists and cultural workers—creating opportunities for emerging and established artists to showcase their work, build careers, and access new audiences.
Amplifying underrepresented voices—Providing platforms where African and Afro-descendant stories, histories, and perspectives are seen, heard, and valued.
Connecting communities across cultures and regions—bringing people together through festivals, performances, dialogues, and programs that foster understanding and belonging.
Advancing anti-racism, equity, and social inclusion—using arts and culture as tools to challenge systemic barriers and create more just, inclusive communities.
Building long-term community capacity—strengthening leadership, partnerships, and infrastructure so Black communities can thrive for generations to come.

Our goals:

The AACCCS–ISSAMBA Centre is dedicated to advancing the development of Black communities in British Columbia by serving as a cultural and community hub for people of African descent. We foster collaboration within Black communities and with the broader public, while bridging Black Canadians and the African Diaspora in alignment with the UN International Decade for People of African Descent.

Through cultural programming, community initiatives, and partnerships, we promote the identity, interests, and heritage of African and Afro-descendant peoples. Our work supports community development, preserves African cultural heritage, marks significant cultural milestones, and connects community members to resources that support their social, cultural, political, and economic integration in Greater Victoria and across Canada.