Kenya-Australia Partnership Rejuvenates Artist Corner at the National Theatre

13 July 2023
Capital FM (Nairobi)

A special partnership between the Australian High Commission and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports has rejuvenated the Wasanii Corner, an outdoor space for emerging artists at the Kenya Cultural Centre in Nairobi.

The space will be officially opened today by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports, Hon Ababu Namwamba EGH and the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Luke Williams.

The Australian High Commission commissioned three (3) female artists to collaborate on a special Kenya/Australia mural as part of the wider rejuvenation of the Wasanii Corner. In partnership with the Darwin Street Art Festival (Australia) and Buni Media (Kenya) - Australian artist Kaff-eine, Australian Aboriginal artist Mim Cole and Kenyan artist, Joy Kito, have collaborated to design and paint this special mural.

"This partnership has provided a rewarding cultural exchange between Australian and Kenyan artists. It's exciting to see three female artists, who knew little about each other's countries or cultures, work together to produce this beautiful mural, which is so seamlessly connected, said Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Luke Williams.

"Australia and Kenya have a strong relationship and this mural celebrates the diverse cultures of each nation, while also showcasing our deep connections - our landscapes, our rich cultural heritage, and our diverse, vibrant and warm people."

"The Kenya Cultural Centre is vital to our creative sector, developing and nurturing talents through capacity building and partnerships. We welcome this partnership with the Australian High Commission, which has helped rejuvenate a key space for long-term benefits, noted Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports, Hon Ababu Namwamba EGH.

"Situated on the grounds of the Kenya Cultural Centre, the Wasanii Corner is a space for creative expression and development. Emerging artists rehearse, create and perform their work at this site. This space is also the official location for our flagship program called 'Performances After Lunch' (PAL). PAL is a talent spotting, development and nurturing program that targets young upcoming poets and other artists. Previously, this space lacked colour and inspiration. Now it does. This is a direct fruit of our 'Talanta Hela Initiative' that is dedicated to nurturing and monetising talents to support sustainable livelihoods for our people.

Read the original article on Capital FM.

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