About us

It all began with a simple idea fueled by a deep passion to preserve and celebrate African history, legacy and excellence. As a small nonprofit organization, we pride ourselves on personal attention and dedication to every detail. Our approach is rooted in quality and integrity, ensuring that everything we do reflects our commitment to excellence.

Mission

To share, conserve, promote, and celebrate Africa’s beauty and rich history through art and culture while providing programs that educate the Midwestern population on our common heritage.

Vision

The Midwestern African Museum of Art (MAMA) Culture and Resource Center endeavors to be a hub of community learning and enrichment. By creating a place where both children and adults can learn our common heritage, we will celebrate each other’s uniqueness and diversity, and create a global community. The Museum will strive to ignite creativity, encourage critical thinking, and spark conversation through an educational approach.

Our history

Opened by Former President Joyce Banda, Malawi’s first female president and second on the African continent, the Midwestern African Museum of Art, Culture & Resource Center (MAMA) is a non-profit organization formed to provide unique and meaningful programming for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. We are the first and only African art museum in the Midwest.

We seek to develop and share the richness and diversity of the African heritage through history, art and culture. We aim to do this from differing viewpoints so as to promote dialogue. MAMA aims to offer an experience that increases awareness and interest in African arts and culture.

The concept was established 10 years ago by Founder Seth Mock Riek. Mr. Riek is heavily involved in the African immigrant community development and has a special relationship with the Sudanese refugees. MAMA opened its doors to the public on October 16, 2016.