Place: Kenya – PAN!C

The Nest Collective

The Nest Collective is a multidisciplinary collective living and working in Nairobi, Kenya.
Founded in 2012, the Nest Collective has created works in film, music, fashion, visual arts and literature, such as the critically-acclaimed queer anthology film Stories of Our Lives, which has so far screened in over 80 countries and won numerous awards. In 2013, the Nest Collective also founded HEVA—Africa’s first creative business fund of its kind—to strengthen the livelihoods of East Africa’s creative entrepreneurs. In 2018, the Nest Collective founded the Strictly Silk program—a dance party and multimedia space that centres joy, safety and community for women and non-binary people of all origins, faiths and generations.
Our work—being born in Nairobi—makes strongest reference to African urban and contemporary experiences, establishing this as our primary datum for inquiry on our histories and reflections about possible futures. While our work often responds to and is aware of interconnected issues at a global scale, we primarily address Kenyan young men and women, and are excited when the work speaks to other audiences.

Focus: Literature, Talks and Discussions, Publishing, Archives, Knowledge, Writing, Multimedia, Library, Education, Video, Exhibitions, Research

The GoDown Arts Centre

Place: Kenya

Focus: Public Art, Exhibitions, Biennales and Festivals, Workshops, Masterclasses, Artist Studios, Residencies

Established in 2003, The GoDown Arts Centre has contributed significantly to the growth, recognition and visibility of local artists by fostering and facilitating collaborations and encounters between artists from different disciplines and the community. The arts centre on Dunga road hosts ten autonomous creative organizations and 15-20 visual artists in residence. The GoDown’s interventions mainly focus on building capacity for artists and developing platforms for critical dialogue and strategic convenings targeted towards tackling important aspects in the arts sector – which include the Creative Economy, the local policy environment and training for practitioners. We also create platforms where artists can showcase their work – concerts, exhibitions, festivals.

Kuona Arts Trust

Place: Kenya

Focus: Literature, Talks and Discussions, Publishing, Archives, Knowledge, Writing, Multimedia, Library, Education, Video, Exhibitions, Research

Kuona was established in 1995 and has been in the forefront of developing the visual art scene in Kenya in the last 17 years with at least 1,000 artists participating in Kuona programmes. Kuona’s mentors artists giving them skills and opportunities to advance themselves whilst increasing the profile and role of visual arts in Kenya. Kuona provides support and resources to artists to make the great art of our day. We are one of the largest arts organisations in East Africa and have been at the frontline in promoting the role of artists in society since our inception in 1995. We provide platforms which enable creative people to experiment, develop and thrive, and for a broad public to engage with this creativity. As a result of our activities we cultivate the growth of individuals, support the arts to flourish and nurture a creative, vibrant society.