Maison Gacha
AplacededicatedtopreservingandpromotingthecraftsmanshipandtradesofthehandfromAfricaandbeyond.
History&origins
From the Jean-Félicien Gacha Association to Maison Gacha — twenty years of commitment to African cultural heritage.
Founded in 2006 as the "Jean-Félicien Gacha Association", from the outset the association provided logistical and administrative support to the Foundation while embodying its institutional and cultural showcase.
A true relay of its influence, it helps make its work known through numerous cultural events organised in France and internationally: exhibitions, fairs, festivals and off-site events.
Continuing this momentum, the association took a new turn in 2015 and adopted the name "Espace Culturel Gacha". A loyal partner of the Foundation, it has since supported cooperation projects in the cultural, social and health fields, affirming its commitment to the dialogue of cultures and the transmission of heritage.
Espace Culturel Gacha also pursues a mission to safeguard and promote traditional craftsmanship from Africa and beyond. As such, it works to conserve traditional textile works, publish specialised articles and books, and organise conferences on African tangible and intangible heritage. Through all its actions, the association actively contributes to the preservation, dissemination and recognition of these cultural legacies for a wide audience.
In 2025, a new dimension in pursuing these missions through welcoming the public at Maison Gacha.
Kasai textile · Congo
Bamileke masks
Workshop · Bangoulap
Beaded headdress
Kuba weaving
Blue calabashes
Kasai textile · Congo
Bamileke masks
Workshop · Bangoulap
Beaded headdress
Kuba weaving
Blue calabashes
Works in dialogue
Ritual shield
Beading · Cameroon
Beaded bracelets
Beads · Detail
Feathers & colours
Works in dialogue
Ritual shield
Beading · Cameroon
Beaded bracelets
Beads · Detail
Feathers & colours
LaFoundation
Carrying on the work of Jean-Félicien Gacha (1922–1972), at the heart of the Cameroonian Grassland.
Located at an altitude of 1,500 metres, on the heights of Bangoulap in the Cameroonian Grassland, the Jean-Félicien Gacha Foundation carries on the work of Jean-Félicien Gacha (1922–1972), a senior civil servant and humanist who devoted his life to the education and development of his compatriots.
A non-profit organisation created in 2002 and recognised as an NGO since 2014 by MINATD, it works for better access to education, training, culture and health. It follows the legacy of a founding conviction: "We must help others, listen to others, respect others, heal others… and above all love others."
Its work is organised around five domains: education and training, culture and craft, health and social action, environment and agriculture, and solidarity tourism.
At the heart of the site, the JLD Cultural Center houses an auditorium, a library and a computer room. The museum showcases traditional objects, costumes and sculptures, with particular attention to the art of beadwork. A multi-sports field, the FOUDJEM Children’s House, a botanical garden and a medicinal-plant laboratory complete this ensemble open to the landscapes of the Grassland.
Ourworkshops
Initiations, transmissions and encounters around material — weaving, beadwork, dance — led by guest artisans and artists.
Theteam
A multidisciplinary team committed to transmission, mediation and the dialogue of cultures.
The team
Edouard Dumas
President of the Espace Culturel Gacha since 2023, he ambitiously carries the vision of Maison Gacha as a partner of the Gacha Foundation and a leading institution in the world of African arts and craftsmanship.
Julie Arnoux
Art historian and former director of the Friends of the Musée du quai Branly. She has led Maison Gacha since 2025, after directing an educational programme at the Jardin Majorelle Foundation.
Simon Joussé
Trained in law and philosophy, specialised in nonprofit law, patronage and artistic property. He ensures the legal compliance of Maison Gacha and the Foundation.
Bérénice Bauchant
Trained in heritage history and cultural mediation (Paris 1, Paris-Nanterre). She has coordinated the programming and production of Maison Gacha's exhibitions since 2024.
Hilel Ghozzi
A graduate in Art Management, formerly with Beaux-Arts magazine and the art press. He leads Maison Gacha's 360° communications: print, digital, photography and press relations.
Donia Ben Lakhdar
With a background in cultural project management (Paris 3) and early experience in a gallery, she handles the administrative, financial and accounting management of Maison Gacha.
Soemy Manga
A graduate in communications and photography, involved with Maison Gacha and the Foundation since 2019. She embodies the link between Paris and Bangoulap, and founded Melapte.
Rafaela Sales Talleux
Holder of a master's in art history (Paris-Sorbonne), with over 15 years in collection management and conservation. She oversees the documentation and preservation of the Maison's works.
Agnès Bureau
A communications and marketing expert (LVMH, Weber Shandwick), involved with the Gacha Foundation for 15 years. She designs the Maison's cultural and artistic education programming.
Oumaya Memi
Master in cultural heritage development (IESA Paris). Background in tourism and cultural events, notably at the City of Nice. Apprentice at Maison Gacha since 2025.
Camille Ratsimbazafy
Trained in spatial design and project management (Gobelins). She manages the Melapte shop, its social media and the coordination of Maison Gacha's external events.
Anissa Téguia
Master's in international relations (Sciences Po Bordeaux / NTU). Formerly at Villa Albertine Chicago. An intern in programming and mediation, she contributes to exhibitions and the arts-education programme.
