Nafasi Art Space Strategic Plan 2021-26

NAFASI ART SPACE STRATEGIC PLAN 2021-26

ABOUT NAFASI ART SPACE Nafasi Art Space is a multi-disciplinary contemporary arts space in Tanzania that encourages artistic growth, experimentation, conceptual engagement, collaboration & art as a vital community practice. For over 11 years, Nafasi has been a creative harbour for artists and art lovers in Dar es Salaam, becoming one of the East Africa region’s leading art institutions. The sprawling compound on a rough industrial plot filled with shipping containers-turned artist studios and a warehouse-as-exhibition gallery may not immediately appear to be a national art space, but this unassuming place contains multitudes.

Here, art is an ongoing inquiry and a dialogue with experience and expression, requiring conceptual originality, independent voices speaking to new visions, and the ongoing building of artistic community, not only between artists and each other, but also between artists and the diverse public who experience their work. The central objective of Nafasi Art Space is to protect and strengthen cultural rights in Tanzania, including freedom of expression, access to culture, and the ability to make a living from one’s creations.

As an art space, Nafasi manifests: transformational artistic growth in form and content // the formation and preservation of diverse cultural identities // the deconstruction & dismantling of obstacles to uninhibited expression // bridges between disciplines & connections across borders The relationship between art and society, between utopian ideals and complex realities, demands that we continuously examine the role of creativity in our humanity. In the search to further and enrich human potential through the arts, Nafasi creates inclusive and equitable access to cultural production and experiences, addressing the lack of representation of African stories in the international art scene, and striving to build collaborations that have the potential to transform society in myriad positive ways.

- Rebecca Yeong Ae Corey, Director January 2021, Dar es Salaam

ABOUT [

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TABLE OF CONTENTSpg 4 INTRODUCTIONpg 5-6 NAFASI VALUESpg 7 OUR VISION & MISSIONpg 8-9 THEORY OF CHANGEpg 10 STRENGTHS & ASPIRATIONSpg 11 CORE BELIEFSpg 12 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVESpg 13-29 IMPACT & OUTCOMESpg 30-31 CROSS-CUTTING OBJECTIVEpg 32-36 CONCLUSIONpg 37 CREDITS & THANKSpg 39

INTRODUCTION Welcome to our 2021-26 strategic plan!

Background

Nafasi is the kiSwahili word for 'space' as well as possibility, opportunity, and chance. The art centre that chose Nafasi as its name in 2008 has now existed for more than a decade and stands as a testament to the need for and value of space in an artistic and cultural context.

Founded by a small group of Tanzanian artists, Nafasi is the nation's longest standing independent art centre.

Nafasi community has spent years exploring the questions: What does it mean to have space to express and create? What does that space feel like and what happens there? What impact does it have on artists and the public at large?

Many experiences, reflections and initiatives have helped shape the answers. By fostering truly open space to express and create art, Nafasi has protected and promoted freedom of expression and created inclusive access to cultural rights.

Studio spaces, residencies, workshops, film screenings, festivals, performances, exhibitions, children's art activities, and much more have filled the open space of Nafasi with unbridled artistic experimentation and expression.

By supporting original and independent cultural work, guiding the development of new artistic voices, and building a thriving and inclusive creative community in Tanzania, Nafasi has demonstrated how arts can enrich and further human potential in unexpected and dynamic ways.

NAFASI ART SPACE STRATEGIC PLAN

The 2016-20 Strategic Plan was Nafasi's first ever organisational strategic plan, but it was built on years of learning and work. The plan set out to build on its strong foundation in artist development and exchange, build new audiences, establish strong partnerships, and develop its institutional sustainability.

In five years, Nafasi has not only achieved its ambitious goals but in many areas exceeded them. Following the 2016-20 plan, Nafasi opened a permanent gallery, established a children's art space, developed additional studios for visual and performing artists, created new rehearsal and performance spaces, established an active music rehearsal studio, pioneered an arts management internship programme, and opened Tanzania's first contemporary arts academy, all the while supporting the artistic growth and professional development of a strong co-hort of multidisciplinary member artists.

During 2016-20, Nafasi's public programme included 22 major group exhibitions, 50 solo exhibitions, 53 major performing arts or multidisciplinary events (30 of which were festivals), 47 participatory public art workshops

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48 film screenings, and 79 artist talks, which attracted over 40,000 audience members, increasing the visibility and accessibility of arts for the public.

Nafasi's core collective of member artists included 42 Individual members and 16 group/organisational members over the period.

When 14 studio artists completed 5-year membership terms at the end of 2019, all of them went on to establish their own studios, art spaces, and venues; 100% of them are now working independently as professional artists and cultural workers, providing new jobs and opportunities to others in the cultural sector and testament to the contributions of Nafasi to developing a more robust culture sector.

Over the past five years, Nafasi's residency programme grew, receiving 109 artists from 30 countries, 13 of them African nations. The residency created opportunities for crosscultural dialogue and exchange, and the sharing of artistic skills and techniques.

Nafasi also hosted 97 workshops on theory, technique and entrepreneurship in both visual and performing arts, attended by more than 400 artists. 41 aspiring arts managers participated in Nafasi's 3-month internship programme, many of them going on to further work or study in cultural administration.

Yet these figures tell only a part of the story.

Much more than a venue, Nafasi is a central institution for arts community in Tanzania.

NAFASI ART SPACE STRATEGIC PLAN

A New Plan The 2016-20 plan had culminated in the building and launch of the Nafasi Academy, a questionbased, long-form arts education for young contemporary artists in Tanzania, the first of its kind and an illustration of Nafasi's ability to evolve into a truly resilient cultural institution capable of nurturing successive generations of artists and linking them together.

The synthesis of Nafasi's programmes old and new were pieces of a puzzle slowly coming together, and as they did a picture began to emerge. From it, this new strategic plan was conceived.

The process of formulating the 2021-26 Strategic Plan began in late 2019 and involved an extensive process of gathering stakeholder feedback from artists, curators, staff, and industry representatives as well as multiple strategic planning workshops.

What follows sets out the strategic approach and objectives that Nafasi will follow in the next five years. It also sets significant new goals including: Establishing the Nafasi Academy as a sustainable training institution in contemporary art and arts management Extending Nafasi's reach and impact across Tanzania Developing the international profile of Tanzanian art in the global contemporary art market

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NAFASI VALUES INCLUSIVITY

All people deserve equal access to the arts

CREATIVITY

Creativity and independent thinking should drive all our processes

INTEGRITY

We should always be accountable to our community and values

GENEROSITY

We value generosity of spirit, with an emphasis on compassion

AUTHENTICITY We should strive to understand and be true to our context and history

COOPERATION We work together collectively, valuing everyone’s input NAFASI ART SPACE STRATEGIC PLAN

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Furthering & enriching human potential through the arts

OUR VISION

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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.

OUR MISSION

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A THEORY OF CHANGE

THE NAFASI CYCLE Artist Development

Sustainability & Resilience

Audience Engagement

Collaborative Partnerships & Networks

Artist discover themselves as they explore their own identities and stories through the artistic process. They develop their practice, creating excellent, original artwork Audiences discover the art and grow more connected to their own culture, communities, and history, as well as learning about and appreciating that of others.

Nafasi works within a larger network of art centres, museums, galleries, independent artists and curators, and interdisciplinary partnerships in order to expand our reach and impact. These collaborative partnerships create more connections and opportunities for artists to engage with diverse audiences Nafasi builds a sustainable organization that is driven by its values and vision. Strong institutional practice ensures the long-term resilience of the organization and leads to positive results for successive generations of artists, audiences, and partners.

The Outcome:

A thriving artistic community that helps make the world more just, equitable, and beautiful through art.

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CURRENT STRENGTHS Nafasi is recognized as a national and regional cultural and artistic hub, known for its diverse and innovative programming An active, multi-disciplinary network of artists from diverse backgrounds work with the community to build ownership and engagement Extensive partnerships and collaborations with arts organisations, artist and curators around the world contribute to Nafasi's sustainability and reach Strong and ambitious management and governance bolster strategic institutional practice

2026 ASPIRATIONS Ongoing artist development and excellence across disciplines delivered through the Nafasi Academy and other memberships programmes Nation-wide artistic activities and infrastructure supported by Nafasi's public programmes, incubator funding, partnerships, and marketing initiatives Wide recognition and visibility of Tanzanian art and artists at exhibitions, art fairs, residencies, museums, and other arts institutions locally and around the world Strong links between Tanzanian conceptual, digital, futureoriented art and indigenous cultural practice, explored through research, collaborative projects, and experimental art production and presentation A permanent home for Nafasi Art Space NAFASI ART SPACE STRATEGIC PLAN

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CORE BELIEFS Artistic integrity and independence We must protect freedom of expression and create a safe space for artists free from censorship of any kind.

Exchange and open dialogue Artistic collaboration and critical discourse about art challenges, inspires and energises pepole, driving innovation and creativity.

Transformation through art Access to and participation in culture is a fundamental human right and art has the potential to create positive change in society.

Creativity promotes community Collective decision-making helps ensure that our actions and plans are aligned with the interests of the artistic community. Supporting artists to tell their own diverse stories contributes to building a better world.

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Artwork by Raza Mohamed

OUR MAJOR OBJECTIVES Nafasi's first ever 5-year organizational strategic plan was implemented during 2016-2020.

The 2016-20 plan emphasised the building blocks of successful creative practice - namely, artistic creation, learning, exchange, and presentation, audience development, community engagement, and strategic institution building.

Now, Nafasi is known for the quality of its artistic activities as well as for their range and dynamism. Nafasi is the center of gravity for artists and art enthusiasts in Tanzania, and is recognized internationally for its important role in the East African art sector.

Over the next five years, we will do even more to further and enrich human potential through the arts. This plan builds on the previous plan's successes and lessons learned, refining the goals, strategies, and processes that help take inspiration and turn it into measurable artistic impact.

Our major objectives - artist development, audience engagement, collaborative endeavors, and building sustainability and resilience - connect through the over-arching goal of building artistic community for all. Each objective both contributes to and relies on the next, creating a cycle of ongoing learning, creativity and growth that mirrors the artistic process itself.

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we support

ARTISTS CREATING FREELY

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT Connect artists with opportunities and resources, including accessible and inclusive membership and working space, to professionalise their art practices and make a living through art.

Provide learning opportunities for a variety of types of artists, including an intensive long-form Academy programme, and inquiry-based, collaborative approach balancing theory and practical learning Provide an international artist residency programme that invites artists from all over the world to exchange with local artists and communities in order to create growth and mutual learning

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

TO FACILITATE ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD THE FUTURE OF ARTISTIC CREATION

Build capacity for cultural workers such as curators, events managers, cultural project managers, gallerists, art writers, etc.

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ARTIST DEVELOPMENT Summary Artistic freedom of expression is an important human right that includes the freedom to imagine, create, and share diverse cultural expressions free from censorship, interference or intimidation. It also includes the protection of the social and economic rights of artists, including the ability to benefit from their creations and to exchange and meet with other artists and the public freely. The understanding that art is a necessity - a defining element of our humanity and essential to the well-being of society - demands that those who create art are encouraged, supported, and protected. Therefore, a vital foundation for promoting artistic freedom of expression is the development of strong, varied, and dynamic creative voices and perspectives, especially for artists and cultural workers from vulnerable and marginalized backgrounds.

All people have the creative potential to be artists, but it must be nurtured in order to enable creatives to become professionals. However, in Tanzania there is limited formal arts education at the primary, secondary, and tertiary level, with arts training primarily taking place at the informal level. Many young people with creative ideas and a thirst for outlets for their expressions are too often denied the chance to make meaningful contributions to social discourse due to limited access to opportunities for artistic learning, creation and presentation. These artists also struggling to make a living from their craft.

When Nafasi polled working and aspiring artists in 2018-19 during the development of the Nafasi Academy, four major needs for artistic development were identified: Space (both physical and political), Education, Exchange (Networks), and Platforms (Markets). Nafasi's strategic approach to artistic development is to continually provide opportunities and resources that respond to these interrelated needs, and to explore pathways to ensure that artists across Tanzania have the opportunity to develop their diverse artistic practices.

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ARTIST DEVELOPMENT Contributing Nafasi Programmes, Activities and Targets: Artist Membership: Approximately 25 new artists become general members per year and receiving ongoing mentorship, opportunities, and support The Nafasi Academy: Approximately 15 artists/cultural workers receive intensive training in theory, practice, and management per year International Residency Programme: 10-12 artists from a range of disciplines and nationalities participate in the residency programme per year Artist Studios: 20 studios are provided to Tanzanian artists at subsidized costs Workshops & Ateliers: 15-20 short-form trainings are offered per year Arts Management Internship: 12 curators and arts managers are trained per year Major Performance Goals (by 2026): To establish an Arts Reference Library with a wide range of art journals, books, catalogues and other publications for artists' use To establish a Digital Lab and Film Hub for artists Interested In digital art, VR/AR, and innovative A/V productions To develop an "Artist Track" that helps artists measure progress toward professionalization based on conceptual development, technical skill, selfmanagement and entrepreneurship ability, etc Establish an on-site "eco-residency" for visiting artists to stay while at Nafasi designed using eco-friendly design principles, materials and methods 50 students will graduate with certificates from the Nafasi Academy To support at least 10 visual artists to be accepted to show work in established international art fairs, biennales, or art competitions.

To professionalize Nafasi's music rehearsal space into a professional recording studio To train at least ten cultural professionals who go on to establish or run arts initiatives and spaces in all major regions in Tanzania

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we inspire

AUDIENCES TO ENGAGE WITH ART

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

Provide opportunities for the public to engage with and participate in the arts through exhibitions, events, screenings, public talks, etc. The public events will represent a range of art forms and disciplines, in order to expose the public to the diversity of artistic expression Pursue programmes that help integrate contemporary art practice with the concerns and context of local communities who have limited access and exposure to contemporary arts, encouraging discovery and awareness

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

TO INCREASE THE VISIBILITY AND STIMULATE DISCOVERY OF THE ARTS THROUGH STRONG MARKETING INITIATIVES IN ORDER TO CULTIVATE ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT AND ACCESS FOR THE PUBLIC

Implement strong initiatives, programmes, and marketing campaigns that assist artists to reach wide audiences and receive recognition and income from their work, creating a culture of investing in art NAFASI ART SPACE STRATEGIC PLAN

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AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT Summary

All people are entitled to the protection of their cultural rights, but this does not only mean the freedom to express oneself creatively. It also includes the ability to actively participate in cultural life and to access diverse cultural experiences as members of the public. Artists and audiences should always be in dialogue; if artists create in isolation, without responses, feedback, and input from the people in their community and society, then the important discourses that art has such tremendous power to stimulate will fail to materialize. Furthermore, access to culture strengthens social bonds, builds rooted identities, and bolsters resilience in communities. It is vitally important that access to vibrant and diverse art and culture is not restricted to the few but available and inclusive for all.

Nafasi Art Space has emphasised creating a space where people from all backgrounds feel equally welcomed and invited to participate and enjoy cultural activities in a range of disciplines. Few events take place without participatory elements, whether that be a public art workshop before an exhibition, or an active dance floor during musical performances. In addition to the busiest art events calendar in the country, Nafasi also regularly delivers community and schools outreach activities to deepen its community engagement and develop new audiences. Nafasi now aims to ensure that not only Dar es Salaam but all of Tanzania has access to inclusive, challenging, incredible art.

The visibility of art in society is important as an end in and of itself, but can also be a means to an end. Audiences who appreciate and enjoy art also generate markets for art and viable economic prospects for artists. It is important to build a culture of participation in, appreciation for, and investment in the arts that benefits audiences as well as the artists who are then able to make a living from their work. Interest and investment in African art is on the rise globally, yet Tanzanian lags behind neighboring countries like Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Kenya in accessing the global art market. In the coming period, Nafasi is determined to raise the international profile of Tanzanian art so that the artists are able to access new markets and expand their reach and income.

In the present context, there are also significant opportunities for reaching new audiences and collectors using digital platforms and new digital tools such as VR galleries and e-commerce, which Nafasi will also explore in the coming years.

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AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT Contributing Nafasi Programmes, Activities and Targets: The Nafasi Galleries: 3 physical galleries with rotating exhibitions and online galleries The Nafasi "Museum": The display of Nafasi's permanent collection with rotating featured artworks from the archives, always on display The East Africa Art Biennale: A bi-annual regional art event hosted at Nafasi in partnership with the East Africa Art Biennale association to showcase the range and diversity of art from the region and bring major art stakeholders together Major Group Exhibitions: Quarterly group exhibitions addressing major social themes and topics from an artistic perspective in Nafasi's main exhibition hall Solo Exhibitions: 4-6 solo exhibitions for upcoming and established artists per year Wikiendi Live: Quarterly major multidisplinary festivals, Nafasi's flagship festival event Tukutane Nafasi: Monthly events designed to showcase resident and member artists work and activities and engage the community in dialogues around art and social topics Partner & Member Events: Regular festivals, concerts, and performances proposed by members and partners in a range of disciplines and target audiences Chap Chap: Bi-monthly public art workshops designed to introduce the public to artistic techniques, styles, and practices In an accessible and Inclusive way Community Outreaches: 2-3 interventions per year at key locations such as hospitals, schools, orphanages, and local community spaces (markets, busstands, etc) Children's Programmes: Weekly art classes In the Children's Art Space and approx 6 school visits per year Communications and Marketing: an active social media, website, and e-newsletter with thousands of followers, subscribers, and visitors Major Performance Goals (by 2026): Produce and/or organize an event or exhibition in every major region of Tanzania Establish a system for producing and selling fine art prints from Nafasi's galleries Sell an original Tanzanian artwork for at least $5,000 USD, and a total of $50,000 USD in artwork sales during the period Create a creative and sustainable Nafasi merchandise line for speciality products and souvenirs Establish a Nafasi music label and agency to help performing artists reach wider audiences and generate income Improve Nafasi's in-house content creation and media production capacities, resulting in podcasts, web series, documentaries, etc that can be licensed to third parties Develop digital software and an e-commerce platforms to facilitate easier sales of art and creative products NAFASI ART SPACE STRATEGIC PLAN

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we build

A CONNECTED CREATIVE ECOSYSTEM

PARTNERSHIPS & NETWORKS

Work with local public and private institutions to advocate for the importance of art and artists in society. Leverage Nafasi’s credibility and reputation to influence cultural policy on a larger scale Participate in national, regional and international networks of contemporary art practitioners in order to grow local capacity, broker opportunities, and create pathways for meaningful global exchanges Support the growth and vitality of the art industry across Tanzania by providing grant funding and incubation to artists, cultural professionals, and arts organisations

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SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

COLLABORATE AND PARTNER TO CREATE A NETWORKED ECOSYSTEM OF ARTS PRACTITIONERS THAT COLLECTIVELY CONTRIBUTES TO THE GROWTH AND VITALITY OF CONTEMPORARY ART

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PARTNERSHIPS & NETWORKS Summary

Despite many positive developments in the art sector in Tanzania over the past five years, the industry remains relatively small and quite fragile to external shocks such as sudden decreases in donor funding, the effects of pandemics like COVID-19, and even increasingly extreme weather conditions caused by global climate change. In order to survive these difficult conditions, strong partnerships and networks are vital to artists, cultural professionals, and arts organisations alike. These collaborations help to make up for perennial shortages in funding for the arts, a limited pool of trained arts management workers, volatile political and economic contexts, and limited flows of information and data on the creative sector.

Collaborative partnerships also have other major benefits, including the facilitation of artist mobility, skills and knowledge exchange, and cost-sharing. A strong ecosystem of arts practitioners at all levels overtime develops infrastructure that makes the whole industry more powerful and resilient.

As an organisation that works with large numbers of artists and cultural professionals in a range of disciplines, from visual art, to music, dance, design, architecture, film, and more, and has existed for more than a decade, Nafasi has organically grown a vast number of connections and partnerships, and facilitated the same for the people it has worked with. It is often the opportunity to meet, exchange, and collaborate with others that artists and partners mention first and foremost when they discuss the primary benefits and impacts of Nafasi on their work. Understanding this strength - but also the growing demand and necessity of networking and partnerships - has led to a larger focus in this area for the coming five-year period.

Recently, Nafasi has piloted training for arts and culture managers and begun providing seed-funding and mentorship to emerging spaces, as a way to explore strategies for broadening artistic networks across Tanzania. These approaches, in addition to the many regular collaborative partnership projects and dialogues to which Nafasi contributes, will ensure Nafasi contributes to building a strong ecosystem for the arts with lasting impacts on creative infrastructure outside of the organisation itself.

Furthermore, as a link between artists, cultural workers, funding bodies, and public arts institutions, Nafasi must play a role in advocacy, supporting initiatives for positive developments to national cultural policy by bringing together arts stakeholders.

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PARTNERSHIPS & NETWORKS Contributing Nafasi Programmes, Activities and Targets: Local partnerships with key cultural stakeholders and institutions including both public (BASATA, Tanzania Film Board, The Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, The University of Dar es Salaam, the University of Dodoma, TaSUBa, etc.) and private/diplomatic (Alliance Francaise, Goethe Institut, British Council, Chinese Cultural Centre, Russian Culture Centre, etc) - and aim to ensure regular communication and exchange with all identified local partners Regular advocacy meetings with key public stakeholders (at least 4 per year) Regional strategic partnerships with top art centres in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe with regular exchange, knowledge sharing, and collaborative programming (maintain at least three at all times) International strategic partnerships with arts organisations and institutions in USA, Mexico, Italy, China, UK, Germany, South Korea, and others with regular exchange, knowledge sharing, and collaborative programming (maintain at least three at all times) "Feel Free" Grant and Incubation Programme that supports original and innovative artistic production and presentation across Tanzania, with a focus on conceptual development and audience engagement (an annual incubator programme) Major Performance Goals (by 2026): Create a Nafasi Network of artists, curators, and cultural workers in Tanzania in order to link artists with opportunities, that includes a directory, programming, space, and other benefits Provide approximately $50,000-100,000 per year in arts funding to smaller arts organisations and independent arts practitioners each year, with at least 20% of them outside of Dar es Salaam Establish at least one strong, lasting partnership in every region of Tanzania Host a meeting of international arts and cultural delegates at least two times Establish "Nafasi Satellites" - programme that creates and shares blueprints and best practices for others who would like to establish or grow independent art centres in other regions of Tanzania Build relationships with international galleries and museums that result in opportunities for Tanzanian artists to showcase their work globally Achieve demonstrable positive impact on cultural policy in Tanzania

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we create

A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE ARTS

SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCE

Ensure that Nafasi’s management, membership, and board are working together to continually grow, improve, and ensure the organization is living by its values and acting in pursuit of its vision and mission Consistently strengthen financial management and diversify revenue streams in order to ensure Nafasi’s resiliency Create and use tools for organizational learning, evaluating Nafasi’s impact and sharing its lessons with stakeholders regularly

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

STRENGTHEN A SUSTAINABLE AND INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY ART INSTITUTION THAT UTILIZES AVAILABLE RESOURCES EFFICIENTLY WHILST PURSUING NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Develop the flexibility and responsiveness of the organization to address a dynamic and changing industry and world NAFASI ART SPACE STRATEGIC PLAN

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SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCE Summary While human creativity will never die, many small and large arts organisations tend to come and go, and with them, their support to artists, engagement with audiences, promotion of artwork, and facilitation of exchange. Without arts organisations and the arts workers within them, the arts have a significantly more challenging task to thrive and make the positive impact in society they should. Therefore, building sustainability and resilience of arts organisations is paramount to any strategy that seeks to support thriving arts and culture.

Nafasi strives toward sustainability and resilience. The foundation of this lies in its equal commitment to creativity and to accountability to its own vision and mission, as well as the obligations and commitments it makes with donors, partners, and artists. Though Nafasi has managed to operate continuously over its first 12 years, like many arts organisations worldwide, the space actually survives on a thin margin, impacted by cycles of funding that are never guaranteed. This reality mandates high levels of competency in management and governance.

Nafasi is seen both nationwide and regionally as one of the most successful and innovative art spaces of its kind, managing to reach a level of scale and longevity not often seen at arts organisations in the region while also maintaining the dynamism and intimacy of a much smaller independent, artist-led center. As such, Nafasi is both a source of reliable, stable programming and impact, while also a space dedicated to continuous experimentation, reflection, and evolution. As an art centre where new artistic ideas, approaches and formats are tested and prototyped, Nafasi also dedicates resources to ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are diligently refined, archived, and integrated Into long-term systems and strategic planning.

From financial management to staff development and a strong focus on good governance, Nafasi Art Space will continue to prioritise the continual improvement and growth of its institutional practice, in order to secure the lasting impact of its work.

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SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCE Contributing Nafasi Programmes, Activities and Targets: Established institutional policies, procedures, and systems Regular staff development trainings Strong Financial Management with a focus on compliance and controls Quarterly board meetings Regular risk assessment and analysis Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation, including a detailed annual report and external audit Non-donor (self-generated) income sources from artwork commissions, venue rentals, membership dues, artist in resident contributions, food and drink sales, filming permits, merchandise sales, commercial sponsorships, individual donations, online crowdfunding, etc. (approx 20-30% of income comes from non-donor sources) Major Performance Goals (by 2026): Income from non-donor sources will increase by 20% each year Transition to IPSAS accounting framework by 2023 Align Fiscal Year with Programme Year (January to December) Ensure a strong Finance and HR department that is robust and well-staffed at all times Improved digital infrastructure to ensure Nafasi's archive is not at risk Establish artistic research and documentation as another key competency of Nafasi Art Space One major publication every 2 years documenting approaches to sustainability, resilience, and organisational learning and growth Acquire permanent space for Nafasi

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IMPACT

& OUTCOMES

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

Successive generations of Tanzanian artists from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are empowered with the skills, knowledge, resources, and networks needed to succeed artistically and professionally

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT A general public in both Tanzania and around the world that values, appreciates, and regularly participates in and engages with a range of diverse artistic expressions from Tanzania

PARTNERSHIPS & NETWORKS

A strong, dynamic, and innovative cultural sector in Tanzania that is locally grounded and relevant and also internationally connected and impactful

SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCE An art institution whose responsible and active artist membership, skilled and dedicated staff, and robust board set a standard of excellence for the resilience, impact, and people-centered sustainability for the artistic community, locally, regionally, and internationally

we foster

ARTISTIC COMMUNITY FOR ALL

BUILDING COMMUNITY CROSS-CUTTING OBJECTIVE:

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

BUILD ARTISTIC COMMUNITY THAT RECOGNIZES THE ROLE OF ART IN IMPROVING LIVES, BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER, AND UPLIFTING HUMANITY

Consider inclusion and access for vulnerable or underserved groups - especially women, youth, and the economically disadvantaged - in all programmes, selections of artists, residents, trainers, staff and board members, and decision-making processes Design programmes and activities with the goal of mutually reinforcing impact between the main strategic objectives

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BUILDING COMMUNITY Summary During Nafasi's strategic planning process, whether the discussion centered around artists, audiences, partners, team-members or board, it was repeatedly brought up that Nafasi Art Space is a community that brings people together and improves their lives far beyond the technical skills they may gain or the entertainment they enjoy. People spoke to something deeper about the arts - and Nafasi as a space specifically - in its ability to provide a sense of freedom, of safety, and of hope and confidence in what is possible. Perhaps what an art space can best provide, after all, is an arena in which the collective imagination of the people within it expands ever outward.

Having gained the understanding that community is truly the foundation of Nafasi's successes, it seems fitting to identify the building of artistic community as the crosscutting objective that runs through all of its other core objectives, and ultimately aligns them all toward a central theme - that of the power of the arts to enrich and further human potential. For those who come to art for solace or understanding, hope or provocation, release or expression, as newcomers or professionals, as creators or lovers and appreciators of art, Nafasi Art Space is both a home and a launch-pad.

Each of the objectives of the strategic plan alone is important and worthy of pursuit, but it is in the connections, overlaps and intersections between them where community is built and sustained and impact is most resonant.

This building of shared and mutual support and reciprocity does not only happen spontaneously, though it may seem that way. It is actually with intention and dedication that such purposeful community can be built; it takes regular meetings, shared spaces, encouragement of connection and discussion, conscious efforts to be more inclusive and equitable, and ongoing learning to create lasting bonds of respect, trust, and generosity.

Nafasi seeks to be a pioneer in the intentional building of artistic community, and will seek to archive and document its efforts in order to benefit those who are interested in this approach to building justice and human rights from the ground up.

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BUILDING COMMUNITY Contributing Nafasi Programmes, Activities and Targets: Regular community events, including meetings, meals, guest talks, cleaning days, etc.

Weekly "Art as Community Practice" courses and sessions as a part of the Nafasi Academy curriculum Priority registration for workshops, programmes, and activities for women, youth, and people from vulnerable or marginalized backgrounds Active recruitment of people from vulnerable and marginalized backgrounds for residency opportunities, membership, Academy programmes, etc.

Established rubrics and templates for artist, staff, and partner vetting that consider inclusivity, access, and balance of gender, age, ability, background, etc.

Artist-led programming and a strong representation of artists at the management and board level

Major Performance Goals (by 2026): Explore innovative models of cooperative economics and exchange that can be studied, documented, and shared with other arts and community spaces worldwide Improved archiving and documentation of Nafasi's approach to community building through art

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CONCLUSION For over 12 years, Nafasi Art Space has been a creative harbour for artists and art lovers in Dar es Salaam. Nafasi is unique to Tanzania and the continent at large, set apart by its multi-disciplinary approach, ambitious and innovative programming, and emphasis on inclusive community-building through art.

In the five years to come, Nafasi Art Space will continue to provide immersive artistic and cultural experiences in order to encourage artistic learning and development, public engagement in the arts, collaboration between disciplines and across borders, and the positive transformation of society.

Nafasi's strategic plan is supported by policies, systems, procedures, operational plans, and an organisational framework that helps ensure its ambitious goals are attainable and measurable. The Nafasi team, board, artist community, collaborating institutions and funding partners are key stakeholders that realize the plan through cooperation and mutual support.

Yet Nafasi's greatest strength may lie in its continual evolution and commitment to iterative growth, which ensures that it remains relevant and responsive to the artists and public it serves. Ultimately, it is by creating a free and open space for imagination - where exploration of the self, community, history, and the future - sparks unrivaled creativity and connection.

We look forward to working together to enrich and enliven artistic opportunities and experiences in Tanzania.

NAFASI ART SPACE STRATEGIC PLAN

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Artwork by Liberatha Alibalio

CREDITS, ACKNOWLEGEMENTS & THANKS This strategic plan is dedicated to the memory of Godfrey Mngereza who served as Executive Secretary of BASATA, the National Arts Council of Tanzania, until his untimely passing in December 2020.

Special thanks to all of the artists, friends, partners, and other stakeholders who contributed their views and suggestions during the strategic planning process during 2019-2020, both formally and informally.

We'd also like to recognize the following individuals who provided detailed feedback and perspectives.

Artists - Capher Simba, Safina Kimbokota, Paul Nduguru, Winifrid Luena, Kauzeni Lyamba, Isack Abeneko, Gertrude Alex, Shiija Masele, Hussein Juma, Liberatha Alibalio, Mihayo Kallaye, Fred Halla, Melanie Martinsson Former Staff, Consultants, and Interns - Jan Van Esch (previous director), Valerie Amani, Therese Bateson, Darragh Amelia, Joan Masaro, Ayubu Mbarazi, Cindy Tibazarwa, Moritz Zimber Audiences/Public: Mandla Mguni (Creatives Society of Tanzania), Kevo Stero, Roberto Mengoni (Ambassador of Italy), Daniel Kossmann, Bobby Frank, Godwin Fredrick Partners - Achiles M. Bufure (National Museum of Tanzania), Alexa Hayden (HDIF), Frank Roland Robert Werner (Goethe Institut), Aida Mulokozi (DARCH), Julia Taonga Kaseka (Modzi Arts Zambia), Dr Herbert F. Makoye (TaSUBa), Abel Shuma (Alliance française, Dar es Salaam), Ayeta Wangusa (CDEA), Aziza Ongala (British Council, Ongala Music Festival), Mandolin Kahindi (Action Music Tanzania), Angelika Farhan-Reimpell (Bongo Hub) Donors - Joseph Gaylard (Pro Helvetia Johanessburg), Anette Otilie Pettersen (Royal Norwegian Embassy, Danda Jaroljmek (The African Arts Trust) Board Members - Chabaka Kilumanga We'd also like to thank the Donors and Supporters who made the implementation of our 2016-2020 strategic plan possible: The Royal Norwegian Embassy, Hivos VOICE, Hivos ROOM, The Embassy of Switzerland, Pro Helvetia Johannesburg, The African Arts Trust, The French Embassy, The Danish Embassy, NMB Plc, our Friends of Nafasi sponsors, our GlobalGiving supporters, and countless individual donors.

And of course, our deepest gratitude to the artists who give so much of their spirit in the process of creation, as well as the audiences who participate in cultural activities and support the artists' work.

Nafasi Art Space Board: Chairman Davie Kitururu, Vice-Chair: Madeline Kimei, Elias Jengo, Louise Kamin, Baraka Mtunga, Chabaka Kilumanga, Joshua Naiman, Amani Abeid, Paul Ndunguru, Remi Busch Strategic Planning Committee: Rebecca Yeong Ae Corey, Maria Kessi, Peter Lukumayi, Kwame Mchauru, Jesse Gerard, Ibrahim Mkude Strategic Planning Consultant: Amani Shayo, Empower Limited Copy, Layout, and Design: Rebecca Yeong Ae Corey Photo Credits: Ari Snow, Matei Babu, Rebecca Yeong Ae Corey, Tupilike Mwakajuma, Andrew Munuwa, Gervas Lushaju, Darragh Amelia Artwork Credits: Raza Mohamed, Liberatha Alibalio

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NAFASI ART SPACE STRATEGIC PLAN 2021-26