About Us

It's a fairly simple story. Two born and raised Calgarians make the decision to get married on safari in Tanzania, and Africa on Canvas is born. Yup - that's the short of it. :)

Tanzania is amazing beyond words. The people and the place carved a mark on my spirit, and soon after I arrived back in Canada I was looking for a way to invest for the long term. Which led to the question, what sort of project would really improve the community?.  I was interested in a business model that would be able to finance itself, so I wouldn't have to rely on fundraising and a model that would work to raise awareness.

The idea for Africa on Canvas is designed to promote the talent of African artists, which increases their market exposure and simultaneously raises funds and draws attention to the projects we support. We buy paintings and African art directly from artist cooperatives and independent artists in Dar as Salaam and all net proceeds go to finance micro-lending projects that empower women to start income generating businesses. It's a model that can make a sustainable contribution back to African communities.

Africa on Canvas works closely with the Calgary based organization, Uganda Partnership to fund micro-lending programs that change the lives of widows in rural Uganda. Generating a small, but reliable income through the simple sale of eggs means they can send their kids to school and provide a steady source of food and nutrition.

The colors you see splashed across the pages of this site are the colors of change.

With the help of my amazing family and friends in both Tanzania and Calgary, I welcome you to Africa on Canvas.

Liz