On Wednesday, 15th October 2025, the newly appointed Advisory Council for the Miatta Civic Centre convened its first meeting to begin charting a rebirth for Sierra Leone’s emblematic civic space. The gathering was held at the Miatta Conference Centre (Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown), now in the midst of transformation.
The Council brings together accomplished Sierra Leoneans drawn from academia, entrepreneurship, the creative industries, and public service. Their mission: to guide strategy, recruit partnerships and resources, and serve as champions of a renewed vision for the Centre -as a thriving, inclusive space for creativity, civic engagement, digital innovation, and cultural exchange.
A Legacy in Rebirth
Once known simply as the Miatta Conference Centre, the facility has sat largely idle for years. Over the past two years, it has been undergoing renovations under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and Public Assets. Management has now transitioned to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, which will provide oversight moving forward.
On its official site, the Centre presents itself as “a gathering place for imagination, for renewals, for civic expression, for bold ideas”. It aims to serve as a symbol -and a site -of national dialogue, cultural excellence, educational stimulation, and sustainable enterprise. Its digital presence underscores an ambition to fuse heritage, technology, and community-driven innovation.
Vision, Charge & Expectation
In his opening remarks, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, said the transformation is rooted in President Bio’s dream of “a space where Sierra Leone meets, Sierra Leone imagines, and where we can be creative.” He framed the Advisory Council’s role as the *stewardship of history, calling for independent-minded, high-vision thinkers able to translate that dream into reality.
He thanked the members for embracing their role, encouraging them to “think boldly” and lead the process of reinvention.
Co-Chair Dr. Mariama Anthony-Williams described the effort as “an opportunity for citizens to be part of meaningful change,” adding that “there is actually much more that unites us as a nation than what divides us.”
Council Co-Chair Kate Krontiris, who facilitated the day’s engagement, spoke of the Centre as “a creative infrastructure that can inspire and fascinate all who enter the space.” She lauded President Bio and the Ministry for granting the Council wide creative latitude to reimagine and reactivate the site.
Imagining the Future
As part of the inaugural meeting, Council members toured the renovated facility and shared ambitious, future-facing ideas. They spoke of the Centre becoming:
• An inclusive hub of “edutainment” combining arts, culture, technology, and civic education
• A space for skills training and innovation labs, especially in creative and digital sectors
• A site for historical and cultural exhibitions, telling Sierra Leone’s stories and heritage
• A gathering place for dialogues, performances, civic events, and international encounters
• A catalyst of national pride and identity, amplifying Sierra Leone’s voice locally and globally
In its web narrative, the Centre positions itself as “where Sierra Leone meets the world” – a hub for exchange, for renewal, and for bold new futures.
Next Steps & Launch
In his closing remarks, Minister Bah revealed that a soft launch of the Centre’s new vision is slated for December 2025 , during the Salone Civic Festival organized by his Ministry. This event will mark the first public unveiling of the space’s reimagined offerings and ambitions.
