Rémy Ngamije, author, photographer, and co-founder of Doek!, Namibia’s first literary magazine, has founded an independent arts organization, Doek.

Ngamije, whose short story “The Neighbourhood Watch” was shortlisted for the 2020 AKO Caine Prize, announced the launch of the organization on Twitter earlier this month.

Ngamije explained in an e-mail that “Doek is ambitious and eager to help discover Namibia’s literary voice and its place in continental and global literature.”

The organization consists of Doek Arts CC, administrated by Ngamije, and the Doek Arts Trust, whose patron is the Honourable Justice David Smuts, and whose trustees are Jakobus De Klerk (treasurer), Bonita De Silva, Cara Mia Dunaiski (secretary), Ngamije (chairperson), Louis Kato Kiggundu, and Heike Scholtz.

Beginning this February, the organization will host workshops “designed to teach creative storytelling and foster a community of Namibian writers and visual artists dedicated to honing their craft.” The workshops will provide tutorial sessions on fiction, nonfiction, poetry and visual art.

Doek’s first workshop focuses on the art of the short story and launches on Saturday, February 13. See the Tweet below for a registration link and further details:

Ngamije began conceptualizing Doek in March 2020, and its successful launch promises community and opportunities for Namibian writers and artists looking to make their entry onto the world stage.

Congratulations, Rémy Ngamije and all involved! Follow Doek on Twitter here, and learn more about the organization here.