A Vibrant Space for Artists to Thrive in Tanzania

Annual Report 2024: Nafasi Art Space GlobalGiving Report

Last year was an eventful and impactful year for Nafasi Art Space. Through various programs, exhibitions, and community engagements, we made significant strides in advancing our mission to nurture creativity, foster collaboration, and promote artistic expression across Tanzania. Below are some of our key achievements from 2024:

Artists-in-Residence Program

We hosted ten individual artists-in-residence, six female and four male, who contributed to our vibrant visual arts program. Additionally, we welcomed the Alla Praxis Collective, a group of five artists (four male and one female) through the Starts 4 Africa Program, expanding the diversity and impact of our residency initiatives.

Exhibitions

We organized six group exhibitions and one solo exhibition, some of which were held in collaboration with our esteemed partners outside the Nafasi premises. These exhibitions provided platforms for artists to showcase their work, reach wider audiences, and foster meaningful discussions around art.

Nafasi Film Club

The Nafasi Film Club saw eight students (four male and four female) complete the year successfully. Their growth and creativity have been inspiring, demonstrating the potential of film as a medium for storytelling and cultural expression.

Digital Lab Highlights

A major milestone for the Digital Lab was hosting a 3D Masterclass by an instructor from Fikiria 3D Art, who has ties with Walt Disney. This session provided cutting-edge insights into 3D art, elevating the skills and aspirations of participating artists.

Nafasi Academy

The Nafasi Academy welcomed a cohort of 12 students (nine male and three female). In addition, the Academy introduced a special Artivism Fellowship class consisting of six male and three female students. These programs empowered participants to use art as a tool for addressing societal issues, fostering self-expression, and promoting change.

We are especially proud of two Nafasi Academy alumni from 2021, Rhoda Kambega and Martin Shayo, who achieved significant milestones in their careers. Rhoda, a culinary artist, secured funding from Goethe-Institut and Bret Fund, while Martin, a curator, curated an exhibition in Germany.

Maktaba Conversations

We launched a new segment, Maktaba Conversations, to inspire and inform young artists. These sessions provided a space for critical discussions on art, creativity, and societal issues, encouraging reflection and dialogue among emerging talents.

VIA Creative Program

Our VIA Creative Program engaged students from six schools in Dar es Salaam. This initiative encouraged students to use their artistic skills to express themselves creatively while learning about road safety. The program was delivered in three phases:

1.Identifying risk areas around schools.

2.Developing recommendations for safety improvements.

3.Creating plays to raise awareness.

This program was transformative, teaching students crucial life skills while fostering creativity and community involvement. Furthermore, this program was useful to make young ambassadors who remain in the schools and teach road safety to other youth.

Feel Free Program

The Feel Free Program awarded grants to eight artists and groups with groundbreaking projects. Among the highlights were:

• Beyond the Label, a project by a 2024 grantee, which highlighted the experiences of people with disabilities, promoting the idea of “differently abled” individuals.
• SAWA (Sanaa na Wanawake), which empowered women in Mwanza through art and painting workshops.
• Film screenings by Kijiweni Production, focusing on the mission to return relatives’ remains, reveals how pain passes through generations.These projects left a lasting impact, sparking important conversations and fostering inclusivity. 

Marketing Achievements

On the marketing front, we reached significant milestones:

• Instagram followers increased from 18,000 to 21,000 by the end of the year.
• Participating in the Saba Saba Festival provided a valuable platform to promote Nafasi Art Space and connect with broader audiences.

Visitor Engagement

In 2024, 3,220 registered members engaged with Nafasi Art Space, alongside 4,407 additional visitors recorded through our click counter. This growing interest highlights the expanding reach and influence of Nafasi within the community.

Performing Arts Highlights

Residency Program

• 6 residencies hosted artists/groups from Tanzania, Kenya, Germany, Austria, Mexico, Finland, and the USA.

Notable collaborations:

• TapaTapa Dance Company (Kenya): Led a 10-day Tap Dance Workshop for 14 dancers, culminating in a showcase.

• Marje Hirvonen & Fernando Aznar: Explored masculinity through Singeli dance collaborations with the Afromob group.

• Wamwiduka Band: Conducted traditional music workshops and performed at the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF).

Wikiendi Live Festival 2024

• A vibrant two-day event in September featuring:
• 12 live bands and 2 dance groups from Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique.
• Workshops, children’s activities, and skateboarding, attracting over 600 attendees.

Lete Stori Monthly Series

• 8 episodes featuring 16 artists/groups, offering artist storytelling and live performances.

Special Projects

• “NAFASI | Der Raum” Transdisciplinary Exchange: Tanzanian and Austrian artists collaborated on gender equality themes through music, dance, and theater.
• Poetry & Spoken Word Workshops: Led by Cameron Mitchell, fostering skills among 20 participants.

Notable Achievements

• Wamwiduka Band won “Best Traditional Musician of the Year” at the Tanzania Music Awards.
• Partnerships with University of Dar es Salaam and ZIFF showcased traditional art forms to diverse audiences.

Community Outreach Initiatives 

In the final quarter of 2024, Nafasi Art Space extended its artistic reach through two impactful community outreach initiatives, fostering creativity and inclusivity beyond our space. These initiatives provided platforms for artistic expression while strengthening our connection with the broader community.

1. Magufuli Bus Stop Mural Project

In an effort to transform public spaces through art, Nafasi Art Space collaborated with local artists to paint a large-scale mural at Magufuli Bus Stop, one of the busiest transportation hubs in the Dar es Salaam region. This vibrant artwork not only beautified the area but also served as a visual narrative reflecting the rich cultural diversity and everyday experiences of the community. The project aimed to inspire commuters and passersby while fostering a sense of pride and ownership in public spaces.

2. Buguruni School for Differently Abled Children

Our second outreach initiative focused on inclusivity and empowerment through art and movement. We engaged differently abled children from Buguruni School in a dynamic dance and painting workshop designed to encourage self-expression, creativity, and confidence. The workshops provided a joyful and interactive experience, offering the children a safe space to explore their artistic potential while fostering a sense of community and belonging.

These outreach initiatives reflect Nafasi Art Space’s commitment to using art as a tool for social engagement and transformation. By bringing creativity into public spaces and inclusive environments, we continue to inspire and connect with diverse communities, ensuring that art remains accessible to all.

Looking Ahead

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, partners, and supporters who have made these achievements possible. As we reflect on an unforgettable year, we are motivated to surpass these milestones and continue driving positive change through art in 2025. Thank you for being part of this journey.

This report captures the essence of a productive year, showcasing the diverse ways Nafasi Art Space impacts artists, audiences, and communities alike. Let me know if you’d like further revisions.

Nafasi Art Space Progress Report 2024

Nafasi Art Space continued to offer a diverse range of programs, including Nafasi Academy, Film Club, Exhibitions, Residencies, and Performing Arts, bolstered by partnerships like the Artivism Fellowship and STARTS4AFRICA. Key activities in Q2 included Imelda Rweyemamu’s residency, which culminated in the “Ying Yang” event, the popular “Lete Stori” series featuring open mic sessions and collaborations, and the Wamwiduka Band’s workshop at UDSM. Nafasi was also represented at the Hip Hop Asili Festival in Bagamoyo.

The Nafasi Academy, which started in February, selected 16 young artists for intensive training in contemporary art, including modules on self-expression, African art history, and concept development. Highlights included a visit to Tanzanian art pioneers like Prof. Elias Jengo. The Artivism Fellowship, launched in June, focused on integrating activism with art, with 10 artivists joining the Academy’s cohort.

Residencies in Q2 featured Carola Mokveld, who led a cyanotype workshop, and the Konokono Collective, which initiated an animation project. New staff, including a Marketing Lead and several interns, were brought on board to support Nafasi’s expanding activities.

The increased participation in “Lete Stori,” along with invitations for artists like Wamoto Music Group and Lumumba Theatre to perform internationally, showcased the growing impact of Nafasi’s programs.
In 2024, Nafasi Art Space hosted a variety of artist residencies where artists were responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses, while Nafasi provided support for workshops, artist hangouts, and open studio sessions. Completed residencies in the first half of the year included artists like Jan Moss, Michalina Musielak, Lindi Dedek, Nicole Remus, Vanessa Mwingira, and Joe-Francis Kiaga. Highlights included Vanessa’s "Brothers in Locks" photography project and Nicole’s digital artwork showcase, "Tap Into the Mirrors."

The Wamwiduka Band's "Asilitronic Residency" (May-July 2024) fused traditional music with electronic sound, creating a unique hybrid genre performed live with a DJ. Additionally, the newly established NIPA Foundation, founded by artist Nipael Mtana, aimed to empower people with disabilities through art, with upcoming programs in bead art, music, and dance.

Cameron Mitchell, the 2022 Poet Laureate of Murfreesboro, led a series of poetry and spoken word workshops at Nafasi, culminating in a showcase event in July. He also contributed to Nafasi's ongoing commitment to uplifting the poetry scene.

Nafasi Film Club’s 2024 activities focused on scriptwriting, cinematography, and sound design. The club successfully screened its first short films at Tukutane Nafasi, with members collaborating on filmmaking projects and participating in industry events like the Muvi Kali film screening hosted by Goethe-Institut.

Nafasi Art Space has continued to foster community engagement and artistic development through diverse events and initiatives in 2024. Key highlights include:

1. Lete Stori Series: This dialogue and performance platform featured 6 artists across 3 episodes, attracting over 300 participants. An open mic session allowed other local artists to showcase their talents, reinforcing Lete Stori’s importance to the Tanzanian art scene.
2. Exhibitions:
• Ethereal Encounters: A group exhibition highlighting 28 artists, opened on June 29th and attracted wide participation.
• APC Live Weaving: In collaboration with the National Museum of Tanzania, this live exhibition focused on historical object repatriation.
• Dialogues on Humanities: A Swiss Embassy collaboration, this exhibition drew over 400 visitors at Nafasi, reflecting the public’s interest in humanitarian themes.
3. Digital Expansion: Nafasi successfully migrated its mobile app to a more cost-effective platform, launched a new gallery Instagram account, and continued to grow its social media presence across platforms, including YouTube, where Lete Stori content has garnered impressive engagement.
4. Corporate Partnerships: Nafasi partnered with Coral Beach Club Ltd., conducting workshops led by its artists, and entered into discussions with various companies to ensure financial sustainability. A notable partnership with Nabaki Afrika was established, promising future multimedia exhibitions and support for Nafasi’s infrastructure.
5. Educational and Activism Initiatives: Through programs like the Nafasi Academy, Artivism Fellowship, and Kahawa na Sanaa talks, Nafasi remains committed to nurturing young talent and fostering discussions on the role of art in social critique.
6. Residencies and Grants: Nafasi’s residency under the STARTS4AFRICA initiative began in January, focusing on community-building through art and technology. Eight artists were selected for the 2024 Feel Free Grant program, marking an increase in applications compared to the previous year.

Overall, Nafasi Art Space’s growing audience, strategic partnerships, and focus on both artistic and social impact demonstrate its continuing influence on the Tanzanian art landscape.

Links:

• Canva Report with viewing access