Art: Self-Expression to Self-Determination
La Lona Children’s Art Library and Studio
The children of Uganda endured the world’s longest pandemic school closure. It finally came to an end in February 2022 but an estimated 30% of previously enrolled children will not return to class due to financial issues. During our visits to Kyebando it was impossible to not notice the number of children gathering in the streets, desperate to entertain themselves. We committed to creating weekly arts classes for them. Using the existing studio space at AAK, a trusted and well-known community presence with a track record of successful adult arts instruction programs, our initial classes have been a hit, well attended even after schools reopened.
Thus far we have been forced to squeeze the kids around the schedule of the working glass studio on the grounds at AAK. In March 2022 we are breaking ground on an arts complex the children can call their own. The first phase will be a recycled glass bottle-brick studio and exhibition space. Subsequent phases will include an art library, a studio for visiting artists who will contribute time as instructors, and a performace space. We envision a community gathering place that infuses art into cultural life of this pre-urban slum, beginning with its children as creators.
mural by Hafaty Hassan of Fatish Arts in collaboration with community artists Panda and Tripple King
The Mural Project
The Mural Project is an arts initiative founded by Afrikan Arts Kollective in Kampala, Uganda.
We’re working with the Kollective on its focus in Kyebando, one of Kampala’s poorest neighborhoods. The project brings together local and established artists from across East Africa to transform public spaces, instill community pride, and start conversations on a range of social issues, from women’s rights to police brutality to environmentalism.
We recently collaborated with GiveLove.Org on its new compost toilet site in Kamokya, another poor neighborhood adjacent to Kyebando. We invited several artists to beautify the space and engage the community by interpreting GiveLove’s mission of safe, water-free sanitation and its role in creating a healthier planet.
Nakivale Refugee Settlement
Located in Uganda, Nakivale is one of the oldest and largest resettlement facilities in the world. It currently hosts 120,000 refugees from Central and East Africa and recent escalations in regional conflicts have increased the rate of new arrivals. Amongst children, an estimated 15% arrive with no adult companions.
We have partnered with William Butala, a refugee himself, who initiated the Nakivart Program for newly arrived children at the reception center. Mr. Butala’s program provides a structured routine, stability, a moment for self-expression, and an opportunity to learn new skills and languages. The program has become a beloved part of the community and has outpaced Mr. Butala’s resources to keep up with demand.
“The art program for children is a great part in education of a young because it help them to develop their mental capacities which is pushing them into creativity, happiness and able to find solutions on problems in daily life.”- William Butala
Please help us in supporting him as he hires new instructors and acquires materials (an ongoing need) so that children may continue their classes even after moving on from the reception center.