In July, three of the ten organizations supported by Africalia as part of our initiative to support cultural projects in Nairobi have put together inspiring events. First, the Sarakasi Trust organized three days of awareness-raising on gender-based violence, centered on the committed production “Voices of the Silent”. Upstage Limited then presented the sixth edition of the Dance Life Festival, Kenya's biggest dance event. And finally, the Kenya Institute of Puppet Theatre organized the Climate Justice Arts Festival, a cultural day for a greener future.
Voices of the Silent
Gender-based violence is an issue we must speak out about and denounce. From July 2 to 4, the Sarakasi Trust organized three awareness-raising days on gender-based violence. The Jericho, Kayole, and Mathare neighborhoods each hosted a performance of the poignant artistic production “Voices of the Silent,” which sparked open and candid discussions among the audience. After each performance, the Sarakasi Trust hosted a panel discussion bringing together legal representatives, artivists, social workers, and victims. They addressed crucial issues such as the existing legal framework, different forms of gender-based violence, and reporting mechanisms. The event attracted approximately 1,000 people in total.
Dance Life Festival
From July 4 to 6, Upstage Limited organized the Dance Life Festival, Kenya's largest dance event. From the National Theatre to Hilton Square, downtown Nairobi was transformed into a massive dance floor. Featuring performances by dancers, musicians, and filmmakers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the DRC, Mali, South Africa, Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark, the sixth edition of the Dance Life Festival was the largest and most international to date.
In the lead-up to the festival, Upstage Limited organized four dance workshops for the communities of Kangemi, Kibera, Kayole, and Industrial Area, as well as a masterclass for people of all abilities, including those with disabilities. The festival thus directly reached an audience that often has less access to artistic training.
Dance Life Festival in the press
Climate Justice Art Festival
The Kenya Institute of Puppet Theatre presented the premiere of the Climate Justice Art Festival in Dagoretti South Constituency on July 12. The festival featured twelve artists from different disciplines whose performances explored the connections between art and climate justice. They transformed open community spaces into platforms for education, awareness, and engagement on climate change, sparking conversations and bringing climate justice to life. The festival thus provided a platform for young artists, creators, and activists to address issues that affect their daily lives. More than 300 residents of the Dagoretti South Constituency attended the festival.
About the initiative
Africalia has joined forces with the Sarakasi Trust, Upstage Limited and the Kenya Institute of Puppet Theatre as part of theinitiative to support ten cultural organizations in NairobiBy supporting the organization of their innovative events, Africalia aims to harness the tremendous potential of the Kenyan cultural sector and its vibrant creative scene, strengthen the network of creators and expand access to culture.
Images ©Sarakasi Trust, ©Upstage Limited and ©Kenya Institute of Puppet Theater
