Standing Voice: interview with Camille Walala

From storeys-high buildings to narrow boats, bouncy castles, even Myron’s sculpture of a discus thrower, there are few things that artist Camille Walala hasn’t covered in her infectiously optimistic patterns. Next to get the full-colour treatment is the Umoja Training Centre in Tanzania, a purpose-built community hub for Ukerewe Island run by human rights charity Standing Voice.

Set up 12 years ago, Standing Voice is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of people with Albinism. In sub-Saharan Africa, the condition can be life-threatening. Not only are there associated health risks of skin cancer and eye issues, but many people with the condition are denied health and education services. In the worst instances, people with albinism are hunted down and disfigured or even murdered, with body parts being used in rituals or for good luck.

As well as medical programmes, Standing Voice works to break down the stigma associated with albinism by providing those with the condition, their families and communities with opportunities to build their skills and confidence. And that’s where Camille Walala comes in. Travelling to the charity’s home in Ukerewe Island Tanzania with her collaborator Julia Jomaa and a Zetteler-assembled squad of furniture printmaker Alex Booker and designer-maker Simon Sawyer in June, Camille will cover the community’s water tanks, new radio production lab and library in a maze of pattern.

Her first time in Tanzania, Camille was brought on to the project by the Zetteler team, which has a long-standing relationship with Standing Voice. Our founder Sabine is a trustee, and two of our gang are raised money for the charity’s life-changing work by running the Hackney Half Marathon. ’I think the fact that people I truly admire are connected to the charity helped me to connect more,” says London-based Camille. ‘The way in which the charity was described and the ordeal the people have gone through really spoke to me.’

This month Camille and Julia will bring colour to the Umoja Training Centre and its surroundings, no doubt engaging the Ukerewe community in the designs. ‘At the moment the designs are still ideas in my head,’ she says. ‘However, I know for sure that they will be bold and colourful!’

The programme will end with an exhibition in London in November 2018, raising awareness and funds for the charity’s life-changing work. ‘I’m looking forward to connecting with people from a completely different place to where I’m from, sharing moments of happiness and working together to create something beautiful.’

Support Standing Voice's life-changing work and receive a signed, limited edition Camille Walala print when you donate £35 here.