

September 17-18, Thiossane Institute will join The Columbus Foundation in The Big Give.
Over the past 13 years, we have used the disciplines of traditional performing arts as a vehicle to introduce, enhance and encourage social and cultural awareness and development, as we present and preserve this art form. Help us to continue serving young people as we represent the diversity of our city by giving generously to the Institute through The Big Give. The Columbus Foundation will maximize your gift from a pool of $1 million in funds.
It’s simple!
Visit The Columbus Foundation website (www.ColumbusFoundation.org) between 11 am on Tuesday, September 17, and 11 am on Wednesday, September 18.
Select Thiossane Institute from the list of qualifying non-profits.
Donate using a major credit card with a minimum donation of $20. Columbus Foundation donors can also make a grant (minimum of $100) through their Donor Advised Fund
For more information about Thiossane Institute visit our Power Philanthropy Portrait.
Thank you for your support!
The Big Give is a dynamic community-wide opportunity to support hundreds of nonprofits working to strengthen and improve our community. Utilizing the Foundation’s online marketplace, PowerPhilanthropy®, you can show your spirit by giving to one or more of 600 central Ohio nonprofits during The Big Give.


- Starting on Tuesday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m. EST, visit www.columbusfoundation.org.
- Make a minimum credit card gift of $20 using a major credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) to the eligible nonprofit(s) of your choice that are part of PowerPhilanthropy®. If you are a Columbus Foundation donor, you can make a grant to the nonprofit of your choice using your Donor Advised Fund or Supporting Foundation, with a minimum of $100.
- Everyone making a donation will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of their donation.
- Donations, once made, cannot be rescinded.
- The bonus pool percentage ratio and preliminary results will be posted on www.columbusfoundation.org on Monday, September 23.

QUESTIONS? Contact us at mailto:thebiggive@columbusfoundation.org or call 614/251-4000.
Meet Kevin Seals
/in Uncategorized /by Tyiesha RadfordName? Kevin Seals
What city are you from? Columbus, Ohio
When did you join Thiossane?
Originally started with ABCDE at age 12, then returned in 2009 after going to college
When you think of Thiossane, what immediately comes to mind? What does Thiossane mean to you?
West African culture – its music, dance, and food. Then I would have to say family. Read more
Meet Najiyyah Muqtasid-Denham
/in Uncategorized /by Tyiesha RadfordName? Najiyyah Muqtasid-Denham
What city are you from? Brooklyn, NY by way of North Carolina
When did you join Thiossane?
Original member
When you think of Thiossane, what immediately comes to mind? What does Thiossane mean to you?
Abdou Kounta comes to mind because he embodied Thiossane. Abdou Kounta wanted Thiossane to be a unique experience for everyone who joined and that has translated into the Institute over time. Read more
Meet Quianna Simpson
/in Uncategorized /by Tyiesha RadfordName? Quianna Simpson
What city are you from? Columbus, Ohio
When did you join Thiossane?
Original member; began with the company at age seven
When you think of Thiossane, what immediately comes to mind? What does Thiossane mean to you?
When I think of Thiossane, I think of family, community, togetherness, respect, and all the great makings of a quality life. I can’t imagine my life without Thiossane. I don’t think I would be as happy dancing somewhere else. Read more
Meet Carlton Pope
/in Uncategorized /by Tyiesha RadfordName? Carlton Pope
What city are you from? Columbus, Ohio
When did you join Thiossane?
Originally started with ABCDE, then became an original member of Thiossane Institute
When you think of Thiossane, what immediately comes to mind? What does Thiossane mean to you?
I think of the lineage of the [Diasporic] culture itself and bridging the gaps between known history and lost history. Thiossane teaches us about the roots and richness of culture. Just like a tree, its story doesn’t start from the ground – it starts from the roots. Read more
Heart of Africa
/in Uncategorized /by Erika HillAs the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium conducted research in developing the components of the new Heart of Africa exhibit, Programming Staff contacted the Thiossane Institute to inquire about our education programs and how the exhibit and the Institute could forge a partnership. After a year of creating the program, Thiossane Institute became the education and entertainment component for the Heart of Africa exhibit and we would serve in that capacity for the next three years.
From the outset we proved invaluable to the exhibit and its attendees. Thiossane edu-tainment included three daily performances every weekend between May and September, building both our audience and Heart of Africa exhibit programming. Thiossane Institute performed for special guest request and Zoo events. This collaboration is, in part, the catalyst for a partnership between the Zoo and Thiossane for our 15th anniversary benefit concert.
The Creative Process Behind the World Music Summit [Drum Orchestra]
/in Performances /by ThiossaneClick here for more details…
Support Thiossane with The Big Give!
/in Uncategorized /by ThiossaneSeptember 17-18, Thiossane Institute will join The Columbus Foundation in The Big Give.
Over the past 13 years, we have used the disciplines of traditional performing arts as a vehicle to introduce, enhance and encourage social and cultural awareness and development, as we present and preserve this art form. Help us to continue serving young people as we represent the diversity of our city by giving generously to the Institute through The Big Give. The Columbus Foundation will maximize your gift from a pool of $1 million in funds.
It’s simple!
Visit The Columbus Foundation website (www.ColumbusFoundation.org) between 11 am on Tuesday, September 17, and 11 am on Wednesday, September 18.
Select Thiossane Institute from the list of qualifying non-profits.
Donate using a major credit card with a minimum donation of $20. Columbus Foundation donors can also make a grant (minimum of $100) through their Donor Advised Fund
For more information about Thiossane Institute visit our Power Philanthropy Portrait.
Thank you for your support!
The Big Give is a dynamic community-wide opportunity to support hundreds of nonprofits working to strengthen and improve our community. Utilizing the Foundation’s online marketplace, PowerPhilanthropy®, you can show your spirit by giving to one or more of 600 central Ohio nonprofits during The Big Give.
QUESTIONS? Contact us at mailto:thebiggive@columbusfoundation.org or call 614/251-4000.
ujima • collective work & responsibility
/in Performances /by ThiossaneClick here to view/print the full weekend schedule
On May 17 & 18th, 2013, at 7:30pm, the Thiossane West African Dance Institute will once again present its annual concert ”Collective Work & Responsibility” to be held at the Lincoln Theater. Twenty two company members will perform in an enthralling exhibition of West African dance, music and culture, certain to entertain the entire family.
We invite you to support the development of our young people and the preservation of this art form through a contribution level of your choice:
Thiossane Performs at CSCC with Danny Glover
/in Home, Performances /by ThiossaneIn honor of Danny Glover’s humanitarian work in Africa, the Thiossane West African Dance Institute also performed at the CSCC Diversity Initiative “Voices of Change” MLK celebration January 15, 2013.
Company Residency and Workshop
/in Performances /by ThiossaneWHEN: March 14 – 17, 2013
WHERE: The Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long Street, Columbus, OH 43203
Open to the public