NAFASI ART SPACE CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY THIS SEPTEMBER WITH A MONTH OF PUBLIC ART EVENTS, WORKSHOPS AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS
“Life is short, but art endures.”
In 2008 a small group of Tanzanian artists got together and dreamt up a platform for contemporary art in Tanzania. With support from The Danish Embassy, a space was located, six studios where constructed and Nafasi Art Space was born. Since then Nafasi has built from the ground-up a thriving artistic ecosystem of 37 studios, exhibition and performance spaces, artworks, meeting and learning opportunities, and has become Tanzania’s leading contemporary art center –inspiring and supporting artists in Tanzania while giving audiences and art lovers a place to experience and appreciate arts and culture, in Dar es Salaam.
True to its name which means opportunity or chance in Swahili, Nafasi creates vital space and opportunity for artists in Tanzania to create challenging, important work that has a transformative effect in society to professionalize their practice through training and capacity building, to connect and exchange with other artists, and to present their work to the public. Nafasi offers regular art programs including regional and international artist residencies, workshops, trainings, art talks, internships, and public events such as exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, festivals, and public art fairs.
This September, Nafasi Art Space celebrates 10 years of shaping the contemporary art scene in Tanzania with a special programming of events, workshops and outreach projects. The month will open with the “Taboo” exhibition exploring Pan-African rituals, and will be followed by a Press conference, a Launch party with live painting and performance, a Fundraising Gala with an art auction, a Hospital visit, a Jukwa la Sanaa session with BASATA, a Panel discussion at the University of Dar es Salaam, Public School workshops, a Beach day festival and cleanup, Graffiti Live at Morocco bus stand, then end on a high note with an evening concert at Nafasi’s own venue. (Below is a detailed event schedule).
Nafasi Art Space has grown from a small, unknown space with only a few artists, to one of the most active and exciting cultural centers in Tanzania. September is an opportunity for Nafasi to celebrate the strides contemporary art has taken these past 10 years in Tanzania, to give thanks to donors and supporters, and to bring the community together in building the next generation of artists and art enthusiasts.
These events will be free and open to the public, but donations will be encouraged. People of all ages, backgrounds and interests are welcomed.
Thank you for your support!
EVENT SCHEDULE
Date Time Event
10th Sept 2018 4-5pm Press conference
12th Sept 2018 4-7pm LAUNCH w/Live painting & performance
TBC 5-7pm Cocktail event w/ art auction
15th Sept 2018 10am-12noon Hospital visit
17th Sept 2018 11am-1pm Jukwa La Sanaa session w/ BASATA
20th Sept 2018 3-5pm Panel discussion w/ UDSM
22nd Sept 2018 8-11am Beach day festival and cleanup
26th Sept 2018 10am-12noon Public School Workshops
28th Sept 2018 11am-5pm Graffiti Live at Morocco bus stand
29th Sept 2018 5pm-Late Fundraising Gala and Public Concert