Publisher: Mkuki na Nyota Publishers, Tanzania
A collection of drawings and creative writing inspired by Dar es Salaam
Street Level was selected as 2012 Honor Book for Older Readers by the Children’s Africana Book Award program, affiliated with the African Studies Association.
Street Level is a collection of drawings and creative writing illustrated and compiled by artist Sarah Markes. It pays homage to the dynamic city of Dar es Salaam – its architecture, inhabitants, and natural environment. The book’s aim is to both document the contemporary life of Dar – its colourful population, street vendors, transport, and cuisine – as well as to raise awareness of the threats to its heritage and environment from rapid and erratically regulated redevelopment.
Karen Moon, an architectural historian, provides historical background through a fascinating introductory chapter and captions to the architectural illustrations. Heritage conservation and regeneration specialists Simon Odunga and Jeremy Cross outline some of the complexities of architectural conservation in the city.
Now in its fourth edition, the book includes insights into heritage awareness and preservation from Aida Mulokozi and Annika Seifert of DARCH – The Dar Centre for Urban Heritage. It was described by MG Vassanji as, “A truly delightful book, a must for those who love Dar and care about its history.”
Find out more about the project here.
£38.81
About the author
Sarah Markes studied graphic design and illustration at Central St. Martins College of Art in London and has spent the two decades since, applying these skills in educational contexts in East and Southern Africa. Her work has included educational comics, awareness campaigns, radio shows and schoolbooks covering public health, human rights and environmental issues in Malawi, Tanzania, Southern Sudan and Zambia. She has also documented the cultural and natural heritage of places through artwork in order to raise awareness of their value and to support their conservation. Working with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in recent years has enabled her to contribute to the preservation of Tanzania’s incredible biodiversity. It also brought her to live for a while in Unguja.
www.sarahmarkes.com | www.darsketches.wordpress.com