In Freetown, a new approach to embedding culture within public spaces is taking shape through Rainbow City, a community-led creative initiative designed to integrate artistic expression into the urban environment. Introducing Rainbow City, an initiative of Hon. Nabeela Farida Tunis, delivered through partnership with creatives and community actors.
Unlike traditional tourism events, Rainbow City is not structured as a recurring festival or forum. It is a place-based intervention, conceived through coordinated action and inspired by John Akinola, with a clear focus on community participation and cultural visibility.
Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, noted, “Rainbow City in Freetown represents a deliberate step towards embedding culture and creativity within the fabric of our urban spaces.” Her statement situates the initiative within a broader national effort to position culture as an active component of daily life.
The development process reflects strong community ownership. From its naming by residents to its artistic execution by Morrison Jusu, the initiative demonstrates a collaborative model of delivery. Hon. Tunis emphasized that it “reflects the value of community-led expression and practical execution,” articulating the role of local participation in shaping outcomes. It stands as a clear example of what happens when vision meets partnership and ideas are translated into visible outcomes.
Through its visual and cultural interventions, Rainbow City redefines how public spaces are experienced. According to Hon. Tunis, it “demonstrates how creative interventions can enhance the visual character of a city while fostering a stronger sense of ownership among residents,” linking urban aesthetics with civic engagement.
The initiative aligns with Sierra Leone’s Year of Culture and Creativity 2026, which seeks to translate policy direction into practical, visible outcomes. Within this framework, Rainbow City provides a working model for integrating culture into community spaces while supporting local artists and creative practitioners. It also forms part of the broader national expression captured in Salone @65, reflecting culture in action.
Looking ahead, the pathway for expansion is clearly defined. Hon. Tunis indicated, “There is significant potential to expand this approach across additional communities,” while extending an invitation to collaborators, development partners and investors to support its growth.
Rainbow City therefore stands as a current, community-driven initiative, shaped by inspiration, local creativity and policy alignment, with scope to evolve into a broader instrument for cultural development and urban renewal in Sierra Leone.
