We believe that when artists perform in neighbouring African Countries, they learn to appreciate differences and celebrate what we share.
At Cultural Crossing Africa 54, we believe art is the universal language that unites us all. Founded by artist Sarah Güsten-Marr, CCA54 bridges Africa’s 54 nations through creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Our vision is simple yet powerful — to move forward together in understanding and unity, celebrating diversity through music, art, fashion, and storytelling.
To engage individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds as co-creators of deeper understanding—forming a powerful bond of cultural crossing.
To improve cultural understanding by working together and creating positive change for the better.
To ensure artists’ work is seen beyond their home countries, elevating voices and visibility across borders.
It heals, provokes, and unites.
“My life is my art and my art is my life. My art is a reflection of who I am, what I value, and how I interpret my experiences. Life inspires me and for this reason, I will always create. I’m fascinated with the cultures we have on earth and enjoy learning from travels. When creating my art genres, I express myself using texture, colour, sound and rhythm.”
The more we travel, the more tolerant we become of our world’s beautiful diversity.
Born in Monrovia, Liberia (1970), adopted as a tiny baby into a loving German Family, Sarah was raised across West Africa, Germany, the USA, and Italy, she has been shaped by the privilege of experiencing diverse cultures.
She’s proud of Her West African Heritage and equally proud of her German upbringing. Sarah and her two older sisters enjoyed the life that their parents created for them, she’s extremely grateful for such an experience.
Finishing her education in England and completing a thesis in Australia — on an Aboriginal reservation in the Northern Territory, an experience that shaped her lifelong focus on community projects. She lives in Alentejo, Portugal, creating passionately in a studio surrounded by organic olive trees, with Spanish mountains on the horizon. Sarah speaks German (mother tongue), English, Italian, and is learning Portuguese
Schooled in Maryland, USA and Rome, Italy.
Academia di Moda Roma
Colour symbolizes life. Using colour, words, and music, Sarah expresses a life deeply influenced by cultural diversity. Working across multiple canvases, she taps into the subconscious to produce raw, honest, and powerful works. Art is foundational to society; her paintings reflect the world as she experiences it—warmth, intelligence, and love of life.
For Sarah Gusten Marr, each application of colour is deliberate and is directly related to the emotions felt by the artist at the time of painting. She recalls her fledgling days as a foundation student at the Winchester School of Art.
“I was very impressionable she says”, I enjoyed painting in red as I felt red is the colour of life.
Red is the colour of human existence as all humans have red blood flowing through their bodies. Red represents love that is internationally symbolized by a red heart.
Traveling helped me recognize how immensely powerful different colours are among different cultures.
Moving forward together in collaboration, understanding, and unity.