Support Anidan art centre, Lamu island, Kenya
Creativity, Community and Collaboration: Anidan arts centre's decade of impact
Last year marked a significant milestone for us as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Anidan arts centre in Lamu, Kenya.
Over the past decade, our art centre has been at the forefront of the Lamu art scene. By teaching art to children who would otherwise lack access, we have fostered a unique collaboration between established artists and young minds, empowering and enriching our community through the transformative power of art.
About Anidan arts centre
Since its inception in 2014, Anidan arts centre has been dedicated to nurturing the artistic talents of children and young adults at Anidan children’s home. Our art centre provide a safe space for creativity, stress relief and personal growth. We offer daily art workshops and unique collaborations that celebrates the talent and creativity of our children and the exchange between a variety of artists and art scenes.
- Contemporary Kenyan Art Scene: We have been fortunate enough to collaborate with some of the leading figures in the Kenyan art scene. By bringing together young and experienced artists, we have created a dynamic exchange of people, ideas and techniques, enriching the artistic experience for everyone involved. Experienced artists have generously shared their time and expertise with our children, and in return they witness and learn from the pure freedom of creative expression by our children.
- Sustainable Impact: Art has given the children confidence and fostered creative, independent thinking. Through their artistic endeavours, they have learned to express themselves, tackle challenges with innovative solutions, and build their self-esteem. Many of our alumni have gone on to pursue further education and careers within the arts, contributing to the cultural and economic growth of Lamu and beyond.
- Community Transformation: Art has the power to bring people together, and our art centre has become a focal point for local, national and international artists alike, to gather and express themselves through art-making. These connections foster a sense of unity and familiarity among the children and have created lasting bonds and friendships.
About The African Arts Trust
Our partnership with The African Arts Trust has been transformative. Their generous grants have brought over 50 Contemporary Kenyan artists to Lamu, where they’ve shared their expertise through our artist-in-residence programme. Many artists have independently returned to Lamu to continue deepening their relationships with the children, supporting them as they grow into confident young adults.
To commemorate the incredible collaboration between the children, the artists and The African arts trust, we are organising a special exhibition and documentary to be screened at The African arts trust gallery in Nairobi, and we need your help to make it a reality.
Our Vision for the Anidan / TAAT Exhibition
The exhibition and documentary (due to be screened in 2026), will showcase incredible artworks created by our children in collaboration with our artist-in-residence programme, highlighting the impact of our partnership with The African Arts Trust and the transformative power of art amongst the generations.
The exhibition will include:
- Documentary: Featuring interviews with artists who we have enjoyed collaborating with over the years, interviews with our alumni and staff working at Anidan, and never before seen footage and photos taking of the art centre and the children over the past 11 years
- A Curated Collection: Featuring some of the best artworks created by our talented young artists over the past decade.
- Interactive Displays and Workshops: Engaging the public in the creative process and promoting artistic education.
- Panel Discussions: Established artists will share their journey and insights on collaboration within the Kenyan art scene. These conversations will highlight successful mentorship stories and the transformative impact of collaborative learning on artists' personal and professional growth, contributing to the vibrancy of the contemporary Kenya's artistic community.
Why We Need Your Support
Hosting an exhibition of this scale requires significant resources. Your contributions will help cover:
- Transportation and Logistics: Ensuring the safe travel of artworks from Lamu to Nairobi and back to Lamu again.
- Exhibition Setup: Curating a professional, inspiring and interactive display at The African Arts Trust Gallery.
- Promotion and Outreach: We are producing a documentary and catalogue to chronicle our project and share its impact for years to come.
- Event Costs: Covering expenses for the opening night, including refreshments, performances, and other exhibition activities throughout the six-week period.
- Documentary: We will create and screen a short documentary of our work in Lamu and the strong ties and connection to the Nairobi art scene.
Join Us in Celebrating Collaboration, Art and Creative Impact on Lamu Island
By supporting our GoFundMe campaign, you will play a crucial role in celebrating the achievements of our young artists by helping us continue our mission. Your donation will not only make our documentary and exhibition possible but will also help sustain the Anidan Arts Centre for future generations.
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Please consider donating and sharing our campaign with your network. Together, we can make this 10th anniversary exhibition unforgettable!
Thank you for your generosity and support.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Corrie Wingate
Anidan Arts Centre, Lamu
Follow Us: @kidscreatekenya
For a comprehensive breakdown of expenses, please contact us via @kidscreatekenya
We'll be happy to provide you with the detailed budget.
Organizer
Corrie Wingate
Organizer
England
The African Arts Trust
Beneficiary