A Vibrant Space for Artists to Thrive in Tanzania

Nafasi Art Space

Highlights of Impact

• Building Skills & Careers
  
  
• 17 young artists trained through the Nafasi Academy (inclusive of artists with disabilities).
  
  
• 7 artist residencies hosted (local & international), tackling themes like menstrual justice, urban inequality, and cultural identity.
  
  
• 12+ workshops delivered, nurturing new voices in Tanzania’s art sector.
  
  
• Growing Audiences & Voices
  
  
• Over 1,000+ participants engaged through exhibitions (Abafabazi, Menstrual Justice, Lete Stori).
  
  
• 440 people attended Lete Stori events alone, bridging generations and communities.
  
  
• Digital platforms expanded: Instagram (+4.6%), Nafasi Gallery (+251%), YouTube (+17 subscribers).
  
  
• Partnerships & Grants
  
  
• 94 applications for the Feel Free Grant; 10 projects funded, supporting artists nationwide in fields like theatre, sculpture, music, and comics.
  
  
• Collaborations with Goethe Institut, WeWorld, Embassy of Sweden, Stellenbosch Triennale (SA), KreAfrika Bootcamp (France).
  
  
• Participation in international festivals and forums raised Tanzania’s artistic visibility globally.
  
  
• Community Strength
  
  
• 95% of members and visitors say Nafasi is “a true community hub.”
  
  
• Safeguarding training (PSEAH) reinforced safe, inclusive spaces.
  
  
• Monthly Open Mic gave 42 emerging performers a platform to be heard.
  
  

Challenges

• Art Sales: Only 2 artworks sold ($1,368) vs. a target of 30 artworks ($8,000).
  
  
• Rural Outreach: Planned for the second half of 2025 (Mkuranga & Kisarawe).
  
  
• Staff Turnover:  4 key staff exited, but replacements and promotions (including internal growth) are stabilizing operations.
  
  

Looking Ahead (Jul–Dec 2025)

Deliver rural art programs in peri-urban areas.Boost art sales through new partnerships with hotels and cultural institutions.Expand youth and adult art classes.Showcase Tanzanian artists at Wikiendi Live (Sept) and Tukutane Dar Arts Week (Nov).

Links:

• Nafasi Art Space Canva report