One of the smallest countries in Africa, situated on its western most tip, The Gambia has become "a doorway to Africa" - for many people seeking to experience African culture that has been passed down from generation to generation by geriots, masters of history, narration and music. Originating from a time long before slavery an colonialism, the culture is very much alive, living in harmony with the modern technology that is The Gambia of today.

A beautiful quiet site situated on the bank of the Gambia river, shaded by age old trees, is the setting for the Eo`len Center of West African Arts, (ECWAA), a camp, specialising in traditional arts and the interchange with the west- a short drive from the capital Banjul and the Atlantic beaches, with easy access to the international airport.

The Gambia is one of the most concentrated multi cultural countries in Africa. In an area of 12.000 sq.km, with a population less than a million, there are many different language and cultural groups, the majority beeing Mandinka, Wollof, Djola and Fula.

The Eo`len Center of West African Arts is built in traditional style using local materials with modern "western" toilet and kitchen fasilities. Offering recidential accomodation to groups or individuals of ut to 14 students/visitors, with non residential catering and activity possibilities for over a hundred guests.

Because of its small scale setup the Eo`len Center of West African Arts makes it possible to experience the Gambian culture in an intimate, unspoilt setting, wether on site, or exploring other parts of The Gambia. We have many years of experience catering for studentgroups and individuals in their quest for information, organizing contacts with colleagues in their specific fields. ECWAA is presently connected to The Conservatory of Amsterdam, The Malmø College of Music- University of Lund in Sweden, The Department of Musicology and The Trondheim Conservatory of Music of The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Trondheim, Norway, and The Oslo College of Music.

The Eolen Center of West African Arts is assosiated with a large number of families that have been involved with traditional arts for generations and who can teach students at all levels. Programmes can be adapted to personal needs for those studying at ECWAA. Teachers from ECWAA have also held seminars and worked as guest lecturers at academies in Europe and Scandinavia.

The Norwegian musician Helge Linaae visited The Gambia for the first time in 1971. As a guest of the Super Ballet Afric, a multicultural group of artists, representing the four groups of The Gambia, he listened and learnt for five years. Together with Miki N`Doye he travelled to Norway, formed the group Eo`len an introduced traditional West African rythms to Norwegian jazz. Eo`len means "wake up" in the wollof language and became synonymous with the interplay betwen traditional cultures. As a result of 15 years touring, teaching and introducing numerous West African artists to Scandinavian audiences, the Eo`len Center of West African Arts was establishes to create a platform and outlet for west African Traditional Arts. ECWAA enables artists and students to meet, learn and exchange ideas and interact, widening the cultural bridge that leads to understanding and creativity.

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