FEEL FREE GRANTEES 2023; SUCCESS STORIES

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SUCCESS STORIES OF 2023

Unveiling the Unforgettable Moments of the 2023 Feel Free Grant Programme

NAFASI ART SPACE ABOUT US In the heart of Mikocheni B’s industrial area, you will discover Nafasi Art Space- a vibrant art space dedicated to nurturing and fostering freedom of expression for artists as they go about their creative journeys.

Since its inception in 2008, Nafasi Art Space has served as a dynamic hub where artists converge to create , interact, and collaborate .It has evolved into a home of endless possibilities, providing a ground for artists and curators to fuse their creative energies with expertise and innovation.

OUR VISION Furthering and enriching human potential through arts.

OUR MISSION To create a centre of excellence that promotes the creativity and professionalism of Tanzanian artists through training, exposure, cross-cultural dialogue and collaborative artistic endeavors.While the main vision remains, Nafasi hopes to attract more artists from different mediums/disciplines to be able to engage with the Nafasi community at greater level

OUR OBJECTIVES Artist Development : Cultivating and nurturing the growth of artists Audience Engagement: Facilitating meaningful connections between art and its viewers.

Collaborative Endeavors:Fostering partnerships and joint creative initiatives Building Sustainability and Resilience: Ensuring the enduring vitality of the arts and our community

Feel Free Grant 2023: Elevating Tanzanian Artistry with Unprecedented Growth Feel Free Grant is a grant implemented by Nafasi Art Space, and funded by the Norwegian embassy and Switerzland Embassy in Tanzania, which started in 2020. It is designed to provide encouragement to artists, cultural practitioners, organizations, and institutions from all artistic disciplines who love to create and connect with art - without placing restrictions on themes or topics that are driven by external influences.

Unlike other funds that artists have previously had access to for the longest time, which have restrictive rules on how artists should express and create art, leading to projects that are less impactful for artists and audiences. Feel Free grants set artists free from those chains to create projects that creatively engage audiences, open new cultural dialogues while allowing them to building skills and expertise within the arts and cultural sector.

In the ever-evolving tapestry of Tanzanian culture, the Feel Free Grant 2023 emerged as a transformative catalyst under the guiding hand of Nafasi Art Space. This year witnessed an extraordinary surge in applications, with an impressive 99 applicants—an inspiring leap from the 75 applicants in 2022.

This surge not only reflects heightened community awareness but also underscores a remarkable 32% increase in engagement and appreciation for the transformative potential within the Tanzanian artistic community.

The diversity within the applications became a celebration of Tanzania's artistic mosaic. The 67% male and 33% female applicants crafted a harmonious blend of voices and perspectives, showcasing the dynamic range within the creative landscape. The 99 applicants comprised 37.4% individuals, 43.4% organisations, and 19.2% groups, illustrating the expansive impact of the Feel Free Grant across various artistic domains.

Feel Free Grant 2023: Elevating Tanzanian Artistry with Unprecedented Growth

From the multitude of applicants, 16 finalists earned the privilege to present their visionary projects to the discerning Feel Free Grant selection committee.

The final selection revealed 8 outstanding grantees, each a testament to the grant's discerning eye for creativity and innovation. Notably, 3 grantees hailed from Dar, while 5 others represented regions beyond, demonstrating the grant's expanding influence and accessibility.

An outstanding achievement of the Feel Free Grant 2023 is its role in amplifying the voices of women in the artistic sphere. Out of the 8 selected grantees, an impressive 6 were visionary women, underscoring the grant's powerful impact in empowering

female

artists,

particularly

in

the

often-overlooked

rural

communities.

The financial commitment to these artistic visions was substantial, with a total grant amount of TZS 186,010,793.00 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.

As Nafasi Art Space continues to champion artistic freedom, the support from

Feel Free Grant 2023: Elevating Tanzanian Artistry with Unprecedented Growth 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.

get to know the

2023 grantees

BAHATI FEMALE BAND

Project Name: Binti Sanaa Project Location: Dar es salaam & Bagamoyo Media: Music

MUSIC FOR GIRLS The Bahati Female Band, comprised of 12 talented young women and skilled Band Leaders, is a dynamic ensemble showcasing a profound passion for music, dance, and drama. Their versatility extends to seamlessly blending various talents, encompassing singing and playing both modern and traditional instruments. With the invaluable support of the Feel Free grant, the Bahati Female Band launches the "Binti Sanaa: Inawezekana" initiative. This transformative project is dedicated to nurturing the musical talents of women in Dar es Salaam and Bagamoyo. It not only offers specialized music training but also facilitates personal development through performances, fostering meaningful engagement within the vibrant landscape of the music industry.

The Bahati Female Band has successfully fulfilled its objective of empowering and promoting talented women making a living in music. The project serves as a platform for nurturing skills in aspiring artists, including youth and children, with a focus on inclusivity by welcoming disabled musicians. The band has actively participated in major musical concerts in Tanzania and undertaken projects to raise awareness about issues affecting girls.

IRINGA BOMA

Project Name: Fahari Yetu Project Location: Iringa Media: Cultural education

WE ARE PROUD OF OUR CULTURE Empowerment in Every Thread: Fahari Yetu Tanzania, a Vibrant Force for Sustainable Development! Born in 2013 at the University of Iringa, this heritage gem spread its wings in 2019, evolving into an independent NGO. 'Fahari Yetu' – a name that encapsulates our mission to ignite pride in the heart of Tanzania by preserving heritage, culture, and history, all while paving the way for poverty alleviation and sustainable community growth.

Having completed its multifaceted research and exhibition journey, this initiative stands triumphant in its dedication to preserving Tanzanian cultural heritage. By delving into the profound realms of oral history and unraveling the enduring legacies of colonialism within local communities, the project has emerged victorious. Through the expressive mediums of visual art and photography, it has not only captured but magnificently celebrated the diverse narratives and memories woven into the vibrant tapestry of Tanzanian society. This endeavor stands as a testament to its success, a powerful homage to the resilience, diversity, and indomitable spirit that define the cultural essence of Tanzania, leaving an indelible mark on our collective history and heritage.

VICKY ALEX

Project Name: Kibubu ufinyanzi Project Location: Lushoto, Tanga Media: Pottery

A LIFE CHANGING STORY The Kibubu Ufinyanzi initiative seeks to equip young individuals, aged 18 to 35, residing in the Mbaru ward of the Lushoto district, Tanga Region, with pottery-making skills and craftsmanship. This project targets youths who either possess prior knowledge of pottery or exhibit a keen interest in the craft. This craft represents a unique approach to pottery, serving as a home-based pottery bank characterized by its molded design and a small aperture for depositing money until it reaches capacity. At that point, the pottery bank is deliberately broken, allowing for the retrieval of the accumulated funds.

"Thanks to the feel free grant provided, we have exceeded our initial outreach expectations. While our target was initially set at 30 individuals, we successfully engaged with over 50 participants, enhancing their proficiency in pottery and financial management through the Kibubu Ufinyanzi project. The impactful feedback received from those we trained underscores the enduring value of the acquired skills, empowering individuals to effectively manage their lives to this day." - Ms. Vicky Alex, Project Leader, Kibubu Ufinyanzi Project.

ADEA TANZANIA

Project Name: Makuya Festival Project Location: Mtwara Media: Traditional culture & Performing arts

PRESERVING OUR CULTURE ADEA plays a central role as the organizer of the yearly Makonde Makua and Yao (MaKuYa) cultural festival and documentation in the Mtwara region. The MaKuYa Festival is specifically designed to champion the promotion, preservation, and continuity of traditional culture and performing arts. Through this occasion, ADEA aims to honor the vibrant cultural legacy of the Makonde, Makua, and Yao communities.

Additionally, the festival serves as a vital platform for fostering cultural exchange and comprehensive documentation of these rich traditions.

“Our most significant achievement was the empowerment of over 19 traditional dance groups across all districts of Mtwara. Our training sessions enhanced their comprehension of effectively monetizing their traditional dance activities and expanding their outreach.

Furthermore, during our Makuya Festival, a remarkable 2000 individuals and 7 traditional dance groups actively participated, contributing to the overwhelming success of the event. In total, we reached a broad audience, engaging with over 5000 people throughout the Mtwara region.” Mr.Saidi Chilumba, Executive Director of ADEA

REFIXIT TANZANIA

Project Name: Rebuilding Futures Project Location: Luanda prison, Mbeya Media: Product designing and manufacturing

BRIDGING SKILLS GAP "Rebuilding futures" is a initiative committed to empowering marginalized individuals through skill development and vocational training, particularly in Tanzania. Our central objective is to bridge skill gaps by maximizing the value-added potential of local resources.

The initiative provided a vocational education and training program in product design and manufacturing to a cohort of 20 inmates at Luanda prison in Mbeya. The primary focus was on harnessing sisal as a core resource, supplemented by the integration of other local materials such as bamboo and wood, resulting in a varied array of products. By emphasizing skill development, resource optimization, and a commitment to sustainability, the program seeks to generate a positive and enduring influence on both the participants and the local economy.

THE FEMALE FOOTPRINTS

Project Name: The Female Footprints Project Location: Zanzibar Media: Book publication

BOOKS FOR GENDER EQUALITY Concluding its impactful phase, The Female Footprints Project, supported by the Feel Free Grant, successfully challenged stereotypes and advanced gender equality in Zanzibar through innovative art. Empowering female artists, they completed a groundbreaking children's book and a second edition of their photography book, highlighting inspiring stories of Zanzibari women. While the research and compilation phase has concluded, the team is now gearing up for the next stage, as publishing awaits, promising to extend the project's lasting impact on the journey toward gender equality in Zanzibar and beyond.

“I express heartfelt gratitude to Nafasi Art Space and its generous donors. Despite encountering a few challenges, the project unfolded successfully. Looking forward, we aim to embark on a second phase later this year, building upon the achievements and momentum gained in the initial phase.” Mr.Mohamed Mahombwa, Assistant Country Director, Wifi Zanzibar

EMEDO

Project Name: Sanaa Ziwaninyanza Project Location: Mwanza Media: Recycling art & cultural education

ART IN ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION EMEDO is a dedicated organization tackling environmental, social, economic, and natural resource governance issues in Tanzania. Our mission at EMEDO is to advocate for a just governance of the environment and natural resources/heritage, ensuring mutual benefits for both people and biodiversity. The latest venture under the EMEDO umbrella is the SAANA ZIWANINYANZA project, a collaborative effort with Nafasi Art Space in Dar es Salaam, aimed at promoting freedom of expression.

With the backing of the FEEL FREE grant program, SANAA ZIWANINYANZA has successfully executed a transformative and creative experiential program. This initiative has proven beneficial for both Mwanza artists and audiences by fostering knowledge sharing, education, advocacy, and a positive mindset shift. The installations, developed as part of this ambitious incubation pilot project, exemplify a creative philosophy centered on transforming threats into opportunities, utilizing found objects, and innovating with waste-to-art techniques. This project holds the potential to rekindle awareness among the average rural-urban mindset regarding key social issues through the arts, simultaneously empowering Mwanza artists to explore new artistic mediums.

SCOLASTICA SULTAN

Project Name: Ndoto ya Kalista Project Location: Dar es Salaam Media: Cake art

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH CAKES Scolastica Sultan is a cake artist, with four years experience in the field. Her vision goes beyond baking delicious products, meaning she uses cake art to convey different massages and bring people together as they enjoy incredible tastes.

Her interest is to use cake sculptures to tell stories and raise other cake artists by providing trainings to facilitate their skills.

“The Feel Free grant enabled me to execute initiatives in both Tanga and Dar Es Salaam. Through these projects, I reached out to 12 young ladies, providing them with comprehensive training in cake making. Despite facing family challenges along the way, only four of them successfully completed the training. These determined individuals are now operating their own successful cake businesses, playing a pivotal role in supporting their families.” - Ms Scolastica Sultan, Project Cordinator

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“Feel Free Grant Project” is a special program organized by Nafasi Art Space, with support from the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Tanzania.

The programme is meant to help new artists and art groups explore their ideas and connect with audiences better to encourage creativity and help artists and groups do their best work, making the art scene more exciting.

If you want to know more, email partnerships@nafasiartspace.org or call +255 757 820 426. www.nafasiartspace.org @nafasiartspace