From a multitude of applicants, 20 finalists earned the privilege of presenting their visionary projects to the discerning Feel Free Grant selection committee. The final selection revealed 10 outstanding grantees, each a testament to the grant’s commitment to creativity and innovation. Notably, 5 grantees are from Dar es Salaam, 1 from Zanzibar, 1 from Arusha, 2 from Mtwara, and 1 from Pwani. This year’s grant will impact the regions of Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Mwanza, Pwani, Zanzibar, Dodoma, and Mtwara.
A notable accomplishment of the Feel Free Grant 2025 lies in its contribution to amplifying the voices of women in the artistic realm. Among the 10 selected grantees, 3 are led by visionary women, highlighting the grant’s significant role in empowering female artists, People with Disabilities and local cultures.
The financial commitment to these artistic visions was substantial, with a total grant amount of TZS 242,880,000.00 invested in fostering creativity and cultural vibrancy across Tanzania.
This transformative initiative actively encourages boldness, experimentation, and ambition, thanks to the unwavering support of these esteemed diplomatic partners. The Feel Free Grant is not merely a financial injection into the arts; it stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit between international stakeholders and local artists, resulting in a cultural renaissance where artists can explore the most captivating, challenging, and rewarding themes.
Behind the scenes of this artistic renaissance, the Feel Free Grant found invaluable support from the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania and the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Their steadfast commitment and financial backing have been instrumental in elevating the grant beyond mere funding, turning it into a transformative force for artistic growth in Tanzania.
Aligned with Nafasi Art Space’s 2021-26 Strategic Plan, the Feel Free Grant strives not only to bolster artists’ professional skills but also to foster collaborations and garner increased support from both the public and private sectors for the flourishing arts industry. The backing of the Embassy of Switzerland and the Royal Norwegian Embassy amplifies this impact, turning artistic dreams into reality.
Stay up to date with their journeys and find out about more opportunities available at Nafasi Art Space by following our social media pages @nafasiartspace
