Sekoya Magazine

SEKOYA Jambo Sekoya

Crafts & Culture Ensemble From East Africa To The World

M WA N ZO I SS UE

Crafters’ Life Stories

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Ksh. 750 | USD 7 | CAD 9.25

DIY Tutorials

Handmade Products Catalog

Creative Business Tips

Craft For Kids

And So Much More

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Jambo Sekoya

Ukiona vyaelea, jua vimeundwa.

When you see them glitter, know they have been (hand) made.

- Swahili Saying

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In This Issue 7 Kreative Reader:

Books by African/Black Authors

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Sekoya Intro:

Mwanzo Wa Sekoya | The Beginning

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Kraft Artist to Watch

Fear. Failure. Freedom | A reflection by Simali

16-19 Founders Feature: Boundless Creations & Gonzala Leathers

Sekoya Kraft Kids:

Contents

Creative Education For Children

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DIY Tutorial:

Kraft Yourself A Journal

Kraft Process: Trash Into Treasure

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32 Kreative Hub: Art ResidencyBy the Beach | Kigamboni, Tanzania

Kraft Shop: Handmade Goods You Should Add To Your Collection

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42 Kraft for Sustainable Development: Nyamirambo Centre Rwanda | Women Empowerment Through The Arts

Kraft International:

Stories From Creative Professionals Around The World

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51 Kreative Manager: Mumbi Tindyebwa: Tell The Story You Need To Tell

Kreative Advocacy: Make Creative Arts A Government Priority

42-45 Kreative Diary: The Road Less Travelled By Non-Creatives

East Africa: +254 706 809 291

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North America +1 647 401 5515

jambo@sekoyaeastafrica.com

@sekoyaeastafrica

www.sekoyaeastafrica.com

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Boundless Creations KE We bring your creative imagination to life PAPER FLOWERS | PARTY SUPPLIES | EVENT DECOR & PLANNING

BoundlessCreationsKE

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From The Editor

Mwanzo Wetu Mkuu Creative entrepreneurship has cultivated in me the confidence to take that first step. One afternoon in July 2020 I was randomly writing down future projects and listed a craft magazine. A few minutes later I was reviewing a design portfolio of a crafts companion of mine and guess what the last sample was, a craft magazine! I felt a wave of goosebumps as I called her to announce, “Nancy we are producing a crafts magazine!” I believe in signs so this was green enough, go, and I would never have chosen a better co-creator than Nancy Muttai, the founder of Tokoberu Kenya.

What followed was months of creative consultation, outreach, lots of design mockups, hours on design editing and finally here you are reading the debut issue of Sekoya Magazine! Sekoya Magazine shines a spotlight on East African craft makers and tells stories of other creative Africans with honour and pride. We recognize the need to amplify the African narrative across the globe and we take on that responsibility through this publication. We aim to advocate and celebrate the significant role of craftwork in the creative industry while including content from other cultural sectors - which is why our page titles have replaced “craft” with “kraft”. Since our work is focussed on building the capacity of emerging artists, majority of the work presented was done by artists who are less than five years in the industry - including the production team. We are so thankful of everyone who was involved in this project and our community in East Africa for receiving our dream with open arms!

In here you will find creative entrepreneurship insight, craft tutorials, a wide range of handmade products and reflections of artists within the region, UAE and Canada. I hope these stories will assure you of creative companions walking a similar path and prompt you to keep going because our world is always in need of your creativity. It is a delight to also introduce you to Sekoya East Africa, the publishing organization of this magazine. We have outlined our mandate and welcome you to join our community if you are a creative East African in the continent or diaspora. We would also be honoured to share your story or handmade work with the world, email us if interested on jambo@sekoyaeastafrica.com.

I would like to honour some people who have gone before me and unknowingly inspired my confidence to take this first step: Carole Mandi, the Editor-In-Chief of True Love Magazine, who since 2004 has produced one of the most loved women’s magazines in East Africa. Isorine Marc, the Founder and Executive Director of Jamii Esplanade, who is the human embodiment of “just do it”. AnnE Frost, the Program Coordinator of Arts Administration at Humber Collège, Toronto - who has dedicated her life to equipping and shaping creative leaders and art managers for their future roles in the industry.

My journey in the arts has cultivated the confidence that what follows a first step towards a dream is a second, then third and a countless staircase. I cannot wait to take the whole fleet of Sekoya Magazine with you because East Africa is a fountain bursting with craft artists and cultural professionals, twende kazi (let’s go)!

Production Team Produced by

Sekoya East Africa Co-created with

Sekoya Cover Team Project Co-ordinator

Jackline Kidaha Marketing Lead

Tokoberu Kenya

Michelle Adhiambo

Editor-in-Chief

Digital Content Manager

Sharon Zarita Art Director

Nancy Muttai Copy Editor

Muindi Kimanzi Graphic Designers

Solomon Kiguru & Nancy Muttai

Sharon Zarita

Ivix D. Kioi

Guest Editors

Wardrobe Styling

Peter Wasabi - House of Psalter Set Styling and Decor

Boundless Creations KE Creative Make-Up

Stacy Maina - Reign Beauty Photography

Sylvia N. Esilaba & Evelyn Mwaura

Edwin Maina - Photoman254

Location provided by:

Chantelle Wanjiku | Simali Saisi

Cover Models

Joyce N. Wanjohi | Gabriel Anzala

Creatives Garage, Kenya

COPYRIGHT MESSAGE: Sekoya East Africa reserves all rights. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission fron the publisher.

SOMA SEKOYA East Africa, UAE, Canada, USA Price Chart Print Kshs 750 USD 7 Digital Kshs 700 USD 6.65

CAD 9.25 CAD 8.6

Annual subscription Print Kshs 2100 USD 19.65 CAD 25.90 Digital Kshs 1950 USD 18.60 CAD 24.50

1st Edition- April 2nd Edition – June 3rd Edition – Sept

Our Community Commitment 10% of magazine copies will be donated to community arts organizations within our distribution as a resource tool for arts education. Nominate your favourite arts charity and we will facilitate them with a curriculum to #SomaSekoya (#ReadSekoya)

www.sekoyaeastafrica.com

jambo@sekoyaeastafrica.com

E.Africa: +254 706 809 291 • N.America +1 647 401 5515

Kreative Reader

Under The Udala Trees

Books by African/ Black Authors

Chinelo Okparanta This title ‘Under the Udala Trees’ stayed with me because of a good friend who enjoys having the Udala fruit whenever he is in Nigeria, West Africa. The novel is narrated by a 10-year-old Igbo girl, Ijeoma, whose life of prosperity takes a downward spiral in the effects of the late 1960s’ Biafran War. Her father dies in a raid and her mother, unable to take good care of her, sends Ijeoma off to be a house girl, promising to return for her as soon as things got better. Against the backdrop of the war, the author, focuses on Ijeoma’s inner war. A young girl who struggles to come to terms with her budding sexuality in an environment where her sexual preferences challenge the existing cultural norms. She grows into a beautiful woman and though broken and confused by the war, learns

Reviewed by:

Tessie Omulo

to live with the scars.

Unbowed

A memoir by Wangari Maathai As an ambitious and driven young Kenyan woman Wangari Maathai’s story significantly redefined courage, leadership, sacrifice, diligence, persistence and focus for me. Unbowed is a memoir about a purposeful and passionate woman driven by her thoughts, to make them a reality.

How did one person care so much about the environment to the point of risking her life for the benefit of future generations? As you flip through the pages, the lingering question is - what will your legacy be? Wangari Maathai’s spirit of challenging the status quo and leading fearlessly definitely moved me.

Making Cents

Waceke Nduati Omanga Making Cents is a book on personal finance authored by the founder of Centonomy Ltd - Kenya, Waceke Nduati Omanga. Unlike many financial management books, the content is based on real life stories of Kenyan characters - failures, lessons, and successes. Waceke shares her own journey which begins by realizing the value of money as a child (like money given to buy lunch) and now using her experience to empower thousands to take control of their finances. As she says in the book, more money never solves problems if habits have not changed. This book enables you to understand habits and truly start creating wealth.

“ I am learning not to compromise, not to settle, and as difficult as it is, how to be my own sun”

Year Of Yes Shonda Rhimes

After stumbling on Shonda Rhimes’ TED Talk, I knew I would definitely enjoy this book. I did not only fall in love with her story but also her personality which is aptly brought out in the style of writing. There are books written for certain seasons of life, this is one of such. It makes you ready to confront fear and open up to new experiences in your personal life, relationships, career etc. After reading the book twice, I am learning to focus on the things I need to know, learning not to let go of pieces of myself in order to be what someone else wants. I am learning not to compromise, not to settle, and as difficult as it is, how to be my own sun. I am loving every bit of it!

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Kraft Artist to Watch

Fear. Failure.

Freedom.

A reflection by Simali FEAR.

FAILURE.

5:55 p.m...

6 months later...

It is already 25 minutes into my evening lecture at Strathmore University,

Fate caught up with me. It was time to pack up. Everything came

Kenya. I am in the restroom. I am anxious. But about something else. I

crumbling down like a house of cards because of mismanagement,

look at myself in the mirror and wonder whether I should do it. The year is

lack of a business plan or formal structure, being too comfortable,

2018, February to be exact. The month of love. I have seen an opportunity

procrastination and worst of all LACK OF PURPOSE! The same way I had

and got an idea. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I want to

quickly architectured my success is the same way I engineered my failure.

sell love-themed merchandise.

I knew I had manifested the fall which marked the FAILURE part of my journey. I hit rock bottom on a personal level. My creativity was at an

Should I launch my idea or not?

all-time low. Whatever project I tried doing was procrastinated or ended

What will people think about it?

incomplete. Lowkey, I hated myself.

What if I am not good enough?

I held a pity party for a few months then I decided it was time to start I close my eyes, say a short prayer grab my phone and post on Instagram:

learning. It was time to re-invent. It was time to teach myself everything I

“LAUNCHING MY ONLINE GIFT STORE!”

could about business. I read books after books, Mark Manson becoming my favorite author. With this knowledge I started drawing out a new plan

Just like that, with a simple Instagram post on 10th Feb 2018 I begin my

for my business.

journey: Gifts By Simali.

Where did I go wrong the first time?

The next few weeks prove hectic as I find myself with a lot of tasks to

How can I improve?

handle. I source items from gift shops then assemble and sell them as

What is my PURPOSE?

hampers. These items include mugs, t-shirts, hoodies, pillows. I am the middle man. My brother, Masibo, plays a crucial role in the early stages of

The most important lesson I learnt from this period was that we should

this journey and all through actually. Another good friend, Melanie, joins

all figure out what our purpose on this earth is. I realized mine has been

the journey. This becomes the team behind Gifts by Simali.

strongly inclined to art and creativity so I built my business around this theme.

The sight of crisp banknotes in my hands blows me away! As a young person being able to buy stuff that I want really excites me. I am really proud that I have taken action! But this is short-lived.

Kraft Artist to Watch

FREEDOM! 2020...

Freedom is what I felt when 2020 began. The year when I would finally put the knowledge acquired into practice. I had a deep conviction that I would bounce back.

February 2020 I started with a simple Instagram post again: WE ARE NOW LIVE! This time round, I had a proper business plan, an operating system in place and important of all a mission, a PURPOSE! I assembled the initial team and designed a path that we would follow. We rebranded to Souvs By Simali now focusing on handcrafted products.

We are proud of the steady progress marked since rebranding and the traction our collections have gained. The best-seller is undoubtedly Watamaduni Notebook Collection followed closely by Culture Lighters and Afrkn Pen Cans.

Since we are here to promote culture, all the collections are curated with an Afro theme.

Currently we have expanded, employing three full time artisans who are trained and dedicated to create Souvs you will love through our online shop. We take pride in an engaging online presence and especially on Instagram where we create a personal relationship with our clientele.

Craft Tip: Go out and create!

Do not be limited.

There is enough space for everyone.

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Kraft Wellness

We are living in a season that is quite a handful and introspection

Dear future me. This is your living fuel because of its

is definitely needed. As much as there is massive community

aspirational nature. It bears your hopes, dreams, goals and

support to navigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and

sets pace for the past and present. It is your redeeming grace

adapt to the shifting routines, personal reflection is important.

and second chance. You should go all out when writing to the

Letter writing offers an in-depth yet simple way of processing

future you because it’s a life yet to be lived hence bearing all

thoughts and checking in with yourself. If this is new to you,

possibilities. Use it as a reminder that where you are won’t last

imagine you are catching up with an old friend, the kind

long (if it’s not good) and assurance you can only go higher

whom you talk with for hours on end or send voice notes long

(if it’s a bliss).

enough to be podcasts.

The same way we are quick to listen to a friend in need, is Dear past me. This letter addresses the things that have

the same way we should listen to ourselves. Dedicating time

already happened in your life. It is to celebrate the strides you

to listen, show care, encourage and challenge yourself is a

have made, offer comfort for hurts you have endured, uplift

form of self care worth investing in. Why not try beginning

the plateau seasons you may have gone through. It is not a

this self check-in by processing the thoughts you’ve had while

letter to reprimand or criticize yourself rather acknowledge

reading the stories in this magazine. I am sure your inner self

how the past has gotten you here.

has been spoken to in a way or two.

Dear present me. This letter is your current companion and

Sincerely,

accountability partner. Like a friend who constantly asks how your day was it keeps your current season in check. It enables you soak in the good for a bit longer and finds the traces of silver lining in your clouds. To do it routinely, begin with simple reflections like what happened in your day that made you happy, sad, uncomfortable, or challenged.

You

Someday our season of running would pass We would take our victories as we want Not as they are given And we would fly upon this land In the spirit of all those taken as nameless.

Our lives will matter then but why wait,

Our lives matter now, Black Lives Matter.

Original excerpt from:

The Water Dancer by

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Social Advocacy Make-up:

Stacy Maina Model:

Tom Githinji Photographer:

Joe Musyoka

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Kreative Diary

March. Nina. Tea By:

Mercy Bor Dear Nina Simone, half a decade later, your music offers solace and a sense of acceptance in a society that still battles with discrimination.

The water in the green kettle is almost coming to a boil. All other sounds are getting drowned in the humming and whining of the kettle. It rises to a crescendo, and then the red light goes off with a click. I pick out my favourite mug— the biggest one of them all. After throwing in a teabag I add two spoonfuls of sugar. Stir. I sweeten it further with another quarter, one scoop is never enough, right? What follows is a generous amount of lukewarm milk till the level is halfway then lastly a top up with the hot water. Bringing the mixture to a stir fills the air with an intense scent that only tea processed in Kericho, Kenya can give.

The first sip causes a little scalding along my throat as steam forms a coat on my glasses. For a minute, I close my eyes and think of what life would be like without tea to jumpstart the day. Tea is God’s gift in the morning and other umpteen times during the day when I make myself a cuppa. A cup of tea also has a cool name to go by. It is hot and cool, no?

Nina.

A song by Nina Simone is playing in the background. Her voice escapes the speaker and bores its way to the soul. A quirky and soothing voice. One that you can always identify whenever and wherever it plays.

Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean, don’t you know Butterflies all having fun, you know what I mean Sleep in peace when day is done, that’s what I mean And this old world is a new world And a bold world For me For me...

It is 1967 and Nina Simone is feeling good. She is a black American woman braving racism and discrimination on all fronts wherever she tries to exhibit her piano skills. A woman who has gone as far as changing her name from Eunice Kathleen Waymon, to stay incognito from a family who froths a little at the expressive nature of her music. “What kind of image does this bring to our family? Is it even legal to sing such songs? Can’t she just continue playing the piano in church? Black tea will never mix with milk, get it from me.” They say.

Kreative Diary

Empty talk and hateful muffles do not deter her. She already spoke to a bar owner in the block to let her play her music in his cradle. And Nina can’t go back and tell him she was just kidding. I mean, how will the bar owner even look at her? Plus, what is she going to do with the fifty flyers she already ordered? Turning back at this point is an impossibility. She plunges on making whoever listens comprehend her emotion and process her pain. To feel them. To identify with parts of her wounded and rejected soul and throw in a little empathy. She needs none of it though. Her voice oozes buoyancy and confidence.

I see her in the tavern, holding the mic so close to her mouth you would think she wants to give it a passionate kiss. There is something about how Nina stops to take a breath before she jumps onto the next line, eyes closed.

She sings with her belly and not her throat. In between the silence, you can almost hear her think about two failed marriages, the domestic violence, regrets, self-disgust, betrayal and oppressive systems.

A slightly drunk man raising his rum-filled glass shouts, “Ameeeen, sister!” He is vehemently tapping his left foot under the wooden table and turns towards the streetwalker seated right next to him and says, “That sister spitting. Hic!…I tell you, show me an oppressed people and I will show you seeds of liberation…Hic!...Systems are supposed to protect their own.”

She grimaces, faces away from the man and pouts her tongue because his breath is revolting. He shrugs since Nina makes him feel as free as a feather in the wind and no streetwalker can take that away from him.

It’s a new dawn It’s a new day It’s a new life for me yeah And I’m feeling good…

Dear Nina Simone.

It is almost half a decade later. Your music offers solace and a sense of acceptance in a society that still battles with discrimination every way. Strange Fruit makes us so emotional. We don’t smoke in bed as you instructed.

And Here Comes the Sun keeps us going even when we have trouble in mind. When the idea of prince charming begins to seem far fetched, we play Marriage is for Old Folks on repeat.

You see, the world hasn’t changed much. Our hearts still cry out to rulers who don’t realize equality is all we demand. Not vengeance, yet. Since voices are more authentic when anonymous, they follow in your footsteps by changing their names on social media. They mute family and friends on Whatsapp.

But don’t you know no one alive can always be an angel When things go wrong, I feel real bad I’m just a soul whose intentions are good Oh, Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood…

Mercy Bor is a Human Resource final year student at the University of Nairobi who is passionate about telling stories that weave the little things of life, sarcasm and African culture. Bor lives in Kericho, Kenya and enjoys milk. You can read more of her articles in the blog www.bortuber.com.

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Sekoya Intro

Mwanzo Wa Sekoya The Beginning Sharon Zarita

The best person to make a path better is the one who has walked it before. This person understands best its length, turns, slopes, views and knows just where the sunflower bush should be planted for a scenic view, which rock carved into a resting place or thicket cleared for a shorter route. Growing up as a young creative person aspiring an arts career in East Africa is not a choice for the faint of heart. In many homes, when children are asked what they would like to be when they grow up their answer is often preempted by a suggestion of a STEM based choice. Every year there seems to be a wave of what choice is popular which parents highly recommend. The best sellers have often been I.T., Economics, Accounting, Procurement; hardly would you hear an arts course come up on the

M in dw

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list. If it does it is usually in the weekend leisure list.

Na n cy

Creativity

i tta Mu

Cultivating

Sekoya Intro

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Truth is, despite this little priority, many young people have still chosen

Sekoya East Africa is birthed from the need to equip emerging artists

a career in the arts. You will find them translating architectural skills into

with holistic tools that will cultivate and build strong foundations

paintings, journalism classes into poetry and vlogs or physiotherapy

for their artistic careers and create a supportive community. Sekoya

lessons into dance routines. Those supported to pursue higher arts

is coined from ‘sequoia’ - the redwood tree species that symbolises

education often lack adequate mentorship or a strong community

wellness, safety, wisdom, communication, longevity which is known

to scale their careers because a huge gap exists between them and

to support its own life and the life of other species. It is written

established artists. However ours is a generation where boundaries

‘Sekoya’ as a connotative pronunciation of the word in Swahili

are pushed and narratives changed. Within the free digital space,

which is the most inter-cultural language spoken in East Africa. Just

many artists have found a platform to express, connect and grow

like its inspiration from the redwood tree, Sekoya seeks to identify

their skills. Slowly but surely appreciation of the arts is growing and

talent and accelerate its growth through affordable professional

a number of local organisations started to build the creative industry.

and wellness programs for children, youth and emerging artists.

Ivi x K D.

ioi

ru igu

Michelle Adhiam bo

So

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K on

Sekoya Magazine is a channel for East African craft artists to share their stories and work with the world. Through it we aim to provide a resourceful arts education tool relevant for creative professionals as a whole which is why our article taglines are labelled ‘Kraft’ instead of ‘Craft’. To make it accessible, 10% of the copies published will be donated to community art centers where magazine readings shall be facilitated. In cases where literacy is a barrier, the readings will hopefully be verbally translated to the native language spoken by the community members. Our subscription package also encourages ‘Gift a Creative’, a purchase donation for artists who cannot afford the magazine.

Internationally, we hope to connect with creative East Africans contributing to the arts industry globally and by sharing their stories, enabling an exchange of knowledge with local artists. We would like to shift the general global perspective of African arts and culture by telling authentic stories and exhibiting creative work from East Africa in an honourable way. This magazine is our way of planting sunflower bushes, carving out rocks and clearing thickets to make the path for current and future emerging artists easier, enjoyable and desirable. Huu ni mwanzo wetu mkuu (this is our mighty beginning).

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Kraft Entrepreneur

Kraft Entrepreneur

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The Paper-Creative Entrepreneur Joyce Wanjohi considers herself a creative entrepreneur

The craft artist who is signatured by colourful rose

besides being a crafter. She was introduced to crafting

backdrops loves the contribution her work makes in the

in 2015 when working with an events company. A year

wedding industry. Not only do the paper flowers offer

later she became a partner in a creative business and

unmatched beauty as décor but also enable clients to

then started her fully owned business in 2018, Boundless

meet their desired dream weddings with manageable

Creations. Joyce describes her journey in the craft

budgets. Her products are also an alternative to brides

industry with one word, growth.

allergic to natural flowers who still want to maintain elegance in their big day. With a bit of help from friends,

After being exposed to many craft forms and

she curated and crafted decor for her own wedding in

understanding how to run a creative business, Joyce

2017 which got such a great reaction from guests. A part

decided to make paper flowers and lanterns the

of this collection was retained as a keepsake of the day,

flagship products of Boundless Creations. The paper

a unique way of preserving memories that can only be

flowers especially get rave reactions with all sorts of

attained with paper crafted decor.

wows and questions asked: what is this, how is it made, is this paper in Kenya, is it imported? Given that she was

Joyce puts great emphasis on research as the winning

among the pioneers of paper flower decor in Kenya,

secret in this business because it ensures you find out

Joyce admits that it makes her feel proud when people

what is new in the market and keep learning. According

experience and appreciate her work.

to her, craft business owners have the ability to offer creative cutting edge solutions to clients and so should

She has managed to work with big corporates, several

not lag behind on ideas. She is also the secretary of the

top banks such as Stanbic Bank, malls and other notable

Events Planners Association of Kenya, a network that has

organizations in the country mainly by referrals. Joyce

enabled her meet peers in the industry, stay ahead in

has accomplished making public art display through

the curve and maintain top standards in event planning

paper flowers and decor a norm in spaces that would

and Boundless Creations.

otherwise not be considered art zones.

In craft, Joyce has found her way. She loves that it grows The business however is not exempt from some

her passion and earns a living within flexible working

challenges. For instance, there is low appreciation of the

conditions. “Research, be consistent and specialize

creative process because people assume paper as the

in something” are her remarks to emerging craft

main raw material is cheap so should the end product.

entrepreneurs.

This is a misconception that devalues the worth of craft work and time taken in creating the pieces. Also middlemen in the business who get contracts then outsource a crafter diverts credit of the work done.

Whereas this collaboration has its merits because there is a continuous flow of work, it hinders growth and recognition of her brand image.

Joyce Wanjohi

at First Sight

Kraft Manager

Leather

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Gabriel Anzala, the founder of Gonzala Leathers has a thing for three years. However, his story begins humbly. Raised by a single mother in rural Kenya, he had a tough financial upbringing. He received a scholarship through a church that supported his education for four years throughout high school.

Gabriel believes so much in simplicity and getting the most done with what is available to you.

On completing his high school education, which was not exempt from challenges such as a school strike in his final year, he opted to join vocational training. He was overqualified for the program as it is offered mainly to empower physically challenged and those without literacy abilities, hands-on skills to earn a living. However, that is where he fell in love with leather and it is working for him.

Kraft Manager

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After the program he got a job at EPZ (Export Processing Zones) as a fundi (tailor) and quite enjoyed it. Three years later having grown his experience he decided to quit and start his own manufacturing company of leather products. His immediate challenge was lack of sufficient capital to buy the necessary machines required to deliver orders. Another three years into the business, he shelved everything and went back to employment to be able to raise capital. He didn’t want to continue the business with a debt liability on his back.

This time around he got a better job as a product designer with better pay as he had grown in his skill and was being sorted after widely.

After three more, he had acquired a sizable clientele and increased experience, so he started Gonzala Leather company. Three seems to be the magic number that got him where he is right now, running a thriving exquisite leather products business. The rest as they say is history.

Gabriel has since excelled in producing handmade leather products and his business keeps growing. He attributes his business acumen to determination, passion and faith in God. He has held onto these as the foundation of what drives his business.

Behind Gonzala Leathers is a small but highly experienced team of artisans that focus on design, marketing, and production. Gabriel serves as the creative link between the customer and production team. He begins the day by checking orders in the pipeline and their deadlines then heads onto designing. His design focus is on personalization of client’s needs and product functionality. They have three product segments in the business; travel-related, office-related and corporate products. The top hot sale product of Gonzala Leathers is their tote bags with the biggest markets coming from Tanzania, South Africa, USA, and Australia.

Gabriel states that a creative business is centred around authenticity with your clients. He believes so much in simplicity and getting the most done with what is available to you. His factory shares a compound with his home yet they are able to deliver numerous products each month. For him, an ideal day in the office is when a client is satisfied with their order upon delivery. “I am always happy to hear good feedback about our products even when things didn’t go as planned during production sometimes. Customer satisfaction is my number one joy.”

Kraft Shop: Gonzala Leathers

Travel Bag

Backpack

Tote Bag

Camping Chair

Kshs. 16,000 / USD 146

Kshs. 15,000 / USD 136.88

Kshs. 10,000 / USD 91.25

Kshs. 12,000 / USD 109.50

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Jambo Sekoya

Are you an East African crafts and culture artist with an inspiring story?

Email us to share it with the world via jambo@sekoyaeastafrica.com Submissions are open for all the magazine categories throughout the year.

Cultivating Creativity

Jambo Sekoya

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Sekoya

Kraft Kids

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Kraft Star

Chantelle Mochu Sekoya Magazine: When did you make your first artwork?

Chantelle: I was in Kindergarten, it was a coloured drawing.

Sekoya: What form of art do you like engaging in most and why?

Chantelle: Crafting because I get to be creative.

Sekoya: Where do you draw your creative ideas from?

Chantelle: Imagination and social media.

Sekoya: Which subjects in school besides the arts have you done projects where you created something?

Chantelle: In Science we created a sheep using local materials and made posters to promote conservation of water and waste management.

In French we made a collage, Social Studies a paper mache and colored the Flag of Kenya

Sekoya: What are some home-based materials

Sekoya: How else are you participating in the

in Swahili. Also Christian Religious Education

that you have used for your creative homework

creative arts community around you?

where we drew and coloured stories like Moses

before?

Chantelle: My friends and I often make cards

and the burning bush, Jonah and the big fish

Chantelle: Matchsticks, buttons, cotton &

and friendship bracelets together. I also attend

and The Good Samaritan.

fabric.

art and craft events like the Plascon Colour Run.

Sekoya: Any favourite projects from the ones

Sekoya: Are you currently doing any personal

Sekoya: How does participating in the arts

mentioned, and why?

creative projects?

make you feel?

Chantelle: I enjoyed the craft model of the

Chantelle: I am making posters, cards for

Chantelle: I feel very jovial and proud of myself

sheep because it looked realistic. We used

birthdays, beading bracelets & necklaces,

when creating art or crafting because it makes

local materials like cotton, buttons, matchsticks

drawing, painting, coloring, origami folding,

me know my talents and understand some

and fabric.

photomontage and decoupage.

subjects better.

Sekoya: Have you experienced any difference

Sekoya: In 2018 you were one of the volunteers

Sekoya: Who do you admire in the arts industry?

in understanding a topic when a hands-on

at Tengeza, a crafts program for deaf children

Chantelle: My art teachers - Tr Dickson and Tr

project is included as part of the lesson?

in Kenya. How was your experience teaching

Amy - who are very supportive, my sister who

Chantelle: Yes. The new curriculum uses

other children creative skills?

is a visual artist, my uncle and two of my cousins

art making it more practical and easier to

Chantelle: It was a really fun experience. The

who are artists as well.

understand unlike the 8.4.4 system which was

children, who are creative like me, were kind

not as engaging.

and loving.

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Kids Tutorial

Rocket-Shaped Curtain Tie Backs Curated by:

Are you crazy about outer space and celestial bodies? Do you wonder if you can explore this interest by recreating an out-of-this-world experience right in your room? Worry no more! There are numerous ways to achieve this - from constellation wall murals, to astronaut night lamps, life-sized alien bookcases and sky rugs - just to mention but a few. This tutorial will show you how to sew your very own pair of rocket-shaped curtain tie backs to inspire you to reach for the stars in this New Year!

Materials Needed • 2 different types of cloth material • 2 pairs of scissors (one for cutting cloth another for cutting paper) • Pencil • Paper • Sewing machine/ thread and needle (with supervision and help of a guardian) • Fibre

Procedure 1. On your piece of paper, draw the shape of a rocket and cut it out.

2. Place the rocket on top of a cloth and trace out the same shape.

3. Cut out two rockets from the cloth. An old starry T-Shirt was used for this tutorial to complement the theme. If you don’t have access to something like this, consider using any cloth material that has sequins or shimmery decoration.

4. Position the two pieces together and start sewing the edges together using a back-stitch.

5. Once 3/4-way down with sewing, partially fill the pocket with fibre.

6. Continue sewing up leaving a small hole at the end.

7. Stash up the pocket with fibre through the hole, until it is completely full.

8. Finish by sealing the hole and trimming off any hanging threads.

9. Cut out a rectangular stripe from the other piece of cloth (I used felt).

10. Sew the stripe at the centre of one of the sides of the rocket.

11. Repeat this procedure when making the second tie-back.

12. Your rocket is now ready for use as a curtain tie back

CraftyToots wishes you all the best; reach for the stars, spread your wings and fly. You never know what you can do until you try!

Inspiring Confidence

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Kraft and Science

Inspired By ID Ilhaam Dhanani

Being a mother can be a challenging task when it involves raising a six and two year old in the homebound COVID-19 season. Ilhaam Dhanani, a stayat-home mother with a background in human genetics and bioengineering, found a way to keep her two kids engaged in learning through craft and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) based projects.

Ilhaam remembers how her upbringing was fused with the joy of learning.

Her mother made sure they were acquiring new skills be it in painting,

Ilhaam is a strong believer that children can learn complex concepts if guardians have the passion teach, which is made so much easier today with the internet.

craftwork, writing/lettering, baking or even in learning the art of folding napkins. Idleness was not entertained in her childhood. It is this upbringing and her educational background in science that prompted Ilhaam to introduce her boys to an early world of crafts merged with STEM lessons.

She is a strong believer that children can learn complex concepts if guardians have the passion teach, which is made so much easier today with the internet. For instance, their past lessons include building a coloring robot from scratch, crafted using recycled products and learning the impact of pollution on the environment through hands-on projects. Her older son has already developed a keen interest in understanding how cars work and hopes to be an engineer who builds and fixes cars and rockets when he grows up. Ilhaam acknowledges that the presence of a guardian

Kraft and Science

27

working fastens how children understand complex concepts, grows

Inspired by ID uses top quality raw materials. Kitenge in particular, is

in-depth knowledge and strengthens their parent-teacher bond.

sourced from different parts of Africa.

During the start of the pandemic she started a personalized gifting

At the end she goes over and beyond to make sure the gift is packed

business called Inspired by ID. The business focuses on producing

right. One can immediately notice the keenness and precision that

aesthetically appealing and quality gift products. These products

has driven this process in the final product. This has seen her client

range from tote bags, aprons, pillowcases, and kitenge crafts. In the

base grow most of them being referrals and repeat customers.

process of running it alongside homeschooling, Ilhaam has found unique ways to make the most of her time with the boys and nurture

“It all begins with interest,” is Ilhaam’s advice to full-time mothers

their creative, analytical and artistic side. She cherishes memories

seeking to use the arts as an education tool or desiring to venture

and interactions made as they work together.

into a creative business. “Then keep learning and growing along the way. It is never a straight line but it is worthwhile,” she affirms.

Her product creation process begins with identifying a market need then incorporating functionality attributes and great aesthetic appeal.

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Kraft Yourself

Kraft Yourself A Journal Journals offer an exceptional and exciting way to record life events, memories and do general planning. Jotting down thoughts is an artistic expression of your inner self as it helps with reflection and evaluation. When you craft one yourself it becomes even more personal.

Supplies Needed:

Crafting Steps

• A5 Cardstock (18 sheets)

1. Join two sheets of cardstock and binding glue to make the journal cover in landscape position. Give it

• Patterned/decorative paper • Embellishments of your choice • Decorative pens • A ruler • Scissors • Binding glue

five minutes to dry.

2. Take the remaining cardstock and trim 1cm (landscape) then make some crises of 1cm to the trimmed sheets.

3. Use binding glue to align your cardstock pages to the centre of the journal cover center made in step 1 ensuring they overlap one another 4. Ensure that all the pages fit in the cover and allow it to dry for 10 minutes to avoid page alteration while flapping them 5. Using the ruler, sub-divide your pages into sections then use the decorative pens to name the sections (eg. Days, week, month, goals, tasks to be done, priorities, lessons learn e.t.c) 6. Decorate each page to your desired taste and preference with the patterned papers 7. Spice up your journal with embellishments. For this sample journal, the theme was rustic.

Kraft Challenge

Tengeza Trail Campaign Pass on your unused craft supplies Every artist is guilty of buying too many supplies. Craft makers probably top that list because craft supplies come in different varieties, which doesn’t help our indecisive nature. We are never sure if the red or maroon buttons will work so we pick both, and end up using only two because the pack was sold in bulk. The result is an excess of unused or half-used supplies. We would like to challenge you to donate these excess supplies to Tengeza Trail, a campaign to make the arts accessible to deaf and hard of hearing emerging artists through provision of production materials.We are collecting craft supplies in good condition which will be donated to deaf institutions in Kenya when marking World Innovation and Creativity Day on April 21st.

Since it is a trail, we invite you to adapt a habit of passing on any excesses from your art projects to underserved artists in your community wherever in the world you may be. We have developed a guide for the campaign which we would be happy to send you if you would like to join our trail.

To donate supplies, partner or join the campaign email us at

jambo@sekoyaeastafrica.com

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30

Kraft Process

With:

Sarrah Adamjee

Kraft Process

31

Trash Into Treasure A forgotten wood base, yesterday’s newspaper, the stick from the popsicle my daughter enjoyed, clay pots that housed flower arrangements now withered. These things comprise of what is junk to most people who throw them out without a second thought but to me, they are keys to a creative journey which allows me to turn trash into treasure. I gather these items with no concrete idea in my head. There is no tutorial for me to follow nor any specifications given by a client. My art runs free. It takes shape from a plethora of completed projects since I was a little girl, guided only by instincts honed through practicing my craft.

I save the wooden base from the trash heap, cleaning it and treating it, so it can take on a new life as a base for my creation.

I tear up the newspaper mixing it with glue and water to form a paper maché paste. As I do so nostalgia takes over – an art class in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with a teacher carefully supervising as I sink my hands gleefully into the bucket containing the gooey mixture. As far as I can remember it has always made me happy.

Patiently and lovingly, I start building. It is slow work but I don’t mind it. The materials have taken on a life of their own even without blueprints to follow. They allow me to transform them into something that will be admired and appreciated. What seemed like shapeless grey lumps begin to take on form. First the trunk of a mighty tree emerges, then its branches. Amazingly, a return of paper imitating its origin.

Seemingly worthless things and forgotten parts of us can be transformed into beauty with some love and care.

Next, the clay pots which don’t look like much right now. They would probably be in a pile of rubbish beside the wooden board, or lie collecting dust in the corner of a crafter’s storage. They cry out to me. They want to be displayed, to be loved and to have purpose once more. I clean out the debris collected in their bases dusting them thoroughly. Then gently sand their surfaces to expose their porous layer underneath, thirsty for a coat of fresh paint like a child impatient to try on new clothes.

With each stroke of the brush they reveal a new side. A sunny yellow whose newly painted rim smiles cheerfully at me, a bold red that proudly displays its bright belly and a lovely green that serenely reflects the natural elements I am creating around it. I add a few mirror-backed pieces of glass and some beads to transform them into a dazzling display.

Now to the most difficult part of this project. How do I get the paper maché tree branches to support these bulky masses of clay? The whimsical woodland scene in my head seems daunting to turn into reality, but I am determined to make it happen. At first the process threatens to frustrate me but I finally figure it out. The pots seem like they are sprouting from the branches themselves!

This is one of my favourite memories in my crafting career. It never fails to amaze me how things that would have been tossed out now proudly stand at the entrance of my home, welcoming visitors and continuing to inspire me to create.

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Kreative Hub

Art Residency By the Beach Co-Founded By:

Asteria Malinzi Since childhood, Asteria was drawn to the artistic and creative aspects in classes and lessons she enrolled in.

Even when she took swimming classes, football or ICT she always found the arts drawing her from the inside, it was in-born. Coming from a family led by a renowned business magnate in Tanzania, she pursued a business management and marketing degree at Nottingham and Brussels Derby Universities in England. Although business was not her cup of tea, she later on finds herself in it as the Manager of The Overhang and within the arts as the Co-founder of Artists Residency of Kigamboni (ARK).

Putting Tanzania on the international map one artist at a time.

The journey to starting an artist residency in Tanzania brewed from a trip to Capetown where she had taken her sister to register for university. While there she discovered The Cape Town School of Photography and immediately enrolled for a photography course which she excelled in. Asteria says these were the best two years of her life as they were a solid entry into the artistic world.

Staying in different countries across the globe, including Kenya, exposed her to arts and culture and its level of appreciation within societies. The highest was in the UK where the arts is sophisticated, South Africa has a more than average appreciation and the lowest was her home in Tanzania. This presented a gap hence the birth of ARK Tanzania in 2019 as an investment to the arts industry within the region.

ARK Tanzania is located in Kigamboni overlooking a beautiful ocean and serene view ideal to bring out the creative magic of any artist.

Kreative Hub

33

The residency offers three programs; full sponsorship for Tanzanian artists, partial for African artists and self-sponsorship for international artists. Through the revenue created from artwork and exhibitions, the residency attains sustainability. It also receives sponsorships which go a long way to enable programming and making it pivotal in supporting professional development of artists.

Asteria believes artists are stronger together and shared experiences promote faster and long-lasting growth in a creative career. This attitude has seen her develop collaborations and be part of meaningful initiatives like Nipe Nikupe, an exhibition of mitumba (secondhand clothes) by Jan Van Esch which was showcased at ARK and Berlin. She has witnessed great success stories from ARK like having one of their members get an entry to pursue a degree in Havard through showcasing their work at the residency. Asteria is indeed putting Tanzania on the international map one artist at a time through ARK Tanzania.

As an artist and creative arts manager, her biggest inspiration around the region comes from Beatrice Wanjiku from Kenya, Rehema Gachange, Lorna Mashiba, and Valerie Amani who are renowned and well-established creatives in their fields. “Be willing to learn from others and become better along the way,” she recommends.

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Jambo Sekoya

Kraft Shop

Kraft Shop Jambo Sekoya

Collection of handmade products by East Africans.

Kraft Shop 1

Nyamirambo Women umutima_rwanda

Left- Right

Half Moon Clutch Bag

Orange Cylinder Basket

Brown Tote Bag

11500rwf / USD 11.62

12000rwf / USD 12.12

215000rwf / USD 217.10

Tussle Top Basket

Golden Candles

Kitenge Rim Bowl

7000rwf / USD 7.07 6000rwf / USD 6.06

13500rwf / USD 13.74

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Kraft Shop

Kraft Shop 2

Inspired By ID inspiredbyid

Personalized Kitenge Toiletry Bag

Kshs. 1800 / USD 16.51 Personalized Baby Onesie

Kshs. 1800 / USD 16.51 Personalized Kitenge Kids Apron

Kshs. 2500 / USD 22.94

Kraft Shop

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Kraft Shop 3

Mvimbo Studios mvimbostudio

Safi Toothbrush Holder

Kshs. 1200 / USD 11

Tulia Utility Tray

Kshs. 1500 / USD 13.76

Yai 11 Egg Tray

Kshs. 500 / USD 4.60

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Kraft Shop

Kraft Shop 4

Ras Crafts ras_craftske

Mariru Wall Hangings - Set Of 3

Kshs. 1500 / USD 13.76 Mariru Mudcloth Pillow

Kshs. 1000 / USD 9.17 Mariru Mudcloth Laundry Basket

Kshs. 1800 / USD 16.51

Kraft Shop

Kraft Shop 5

Souvs by Simali _souvs.by.simali_

Watamaduni Journals

Culture BIC lighter

A5 - Kshs. 900/USD 8.26

Kshs. 300 / USD 2.75

AFRKN Pen Can

Watamaduni Journals

A5 - Kshs. 300/USD 2.73

A6 - Kshs. 600/USD 5.50

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Kraft Shop

Kraft Shop 6

The Voice of Amber Fur

Kshs. 350 / USD 3.19 La Pyramide (Scapbook)

Kshs. 1000 / USD 9.11 Le Disque

Kshs. 300 / USD 2.73 Feather Stand on the Table

Kshs. 500 / USD 4.56

the_voice_of_amber

Kraft Shop

Kraft Shop 7

Shotoh Arts

Yinyang String & Nail MDF Board Wall Clock Kshs. 3,815 / USD 35

shotoharts

To advertise your craft products with us, email:

jambo@sekoyaeastafrica.com

Kshs. 327 / USD 3

Puzzle Brass Earring

Kshs. 381.50 / USD 3.50

Brass Barbed Wire Earrings

Kshs. 327 / USD 3

Glass Marble Earrings

Heart Beat String & Nail Wall Art Kshs. 1,635 / USD 15

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Kraft for Sustainable Development

Rwanda

Women Empowerment Through The Arts Nyamirambo Women’s Centre (NWC) In 2007, a group of Rwandese women came together to live as friends and

cultural tourism in Kigali. They work with local leaders to identify

neighbours in Kigali. Since each had different levels of education they

women who need empowerment in the community. The women are

started exchanging ideas to sharpen their literacy skills. Sewing lessons

then trained and given the creative freedom to come up with designs

were shortly added introducing them to creative entrepreneurship.

and test them out. If the final product is pleasing to the group, it is mass

The 18 women could never have predicted that this casual communal

produced. This freedom has birthed a product line of clothes, bags,

peer support would grow into Nyamirambo Women Centre (NWC), an

and homeware called Umutima - meaning heart in Kinyarwanda. The

entrepreneurial and cultural hub to 55 women. They could never have

centre prides in the ability to provide an income to its members while

known that in 2020, Tripadvisor would name their centre as a Travelers’

at the same time being self-sustainable. “In the beginning we received

Choice in Rwanda.

support from Slovenian women doing research in the country but now we are able to run the centre, pay bills and pay the women on our own,”

NWC is a community run organization which offers arts vocational training to women, produces handmade products and is leading in

says Aimee Marie, NWC President.

Kraft for Sustainable Development

Their location in the capital city of Rwanda placed them strategically to attract tourists but instead of only selling their products, they decided to turn NWC into an experiential cultural hotspot. This has added to their revenue stream and opened them up to international visibility.

To be a holistic centre to their community, NWC started a community library for children upto 12 years. They have books in Kinyarwanda, French and English which are sourced through donations. They also hold educational workshops on empowerment, health and women rights. To Aimee, their success is highlighted once a member, after being trained, can begin their own creative venture. At the moment five past members are running their own sewing stores in the community.

In the olden days Nyamirambo was a forest and was used as a graveyard since no one lived there. Because of their endeavours, their neighbourhood has become the most attractive in the region with many young people settling in it. The step to begin something new and creative has turned its old history around and given it a new meaning. Ode to the founding members of NWC for rewriting the history of Nyamirambo and turning around lives for every member who walks through its doors.

“Every woman who opens their own sewing studio and attains financial freedom through their creative business is our success story” - Aimee Marie Umujeni -

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44

Kraft International Connecting Artists Around The World

@justredinta

Kraft Fashion Inspo

45

UAE

Revamp Your Sweater With:

Sally ‘Redinta’ Njeri Some garments are archived and forgotten in our closets - like this knitted sweater for me. With Winter in Dubai here with us, I revamped it with materials available in my creative tool box to give it a personal touch and restore its spot in the wardrobe. This look was inspired by shells because love of the waters has made the beach my second home. How incredible are shells: their femininity, softness and variety makes nature the most creative producer. I paired the refashioned sweater with white linen loose fit pants for a bohemian themed look. Here is how you can let the thread and crochet stick lead the way in transforming an ordinary sweater to a stylish piece.

Materials Needed

Steps:

• Needle and thread

1. Make the crochet circles in different sizes and patterns of your choosing.

• Lace knit thread

2. Prepare a long crochet strap to be used for styling.

• Pins

3. Lay the sweater flat and position the circles in your preferred order.

• Scissors

4. Pin them to position.

• Crochet stick • Tape measure • Hair band

5. Stitch them on the inside of the sweater using needle and thread.

6. Stitch the crochet circles on the head band in your preferred order.

7. Measure the preferred length from the hem of the trousers to where the band will be.

8. Attach the band to both side seams and stitch them together.

This can be a weekend look when catching up with friends and you wear it with boots for comfort travelling.

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Kraft Awareness

Canada

Role Of Co-Creation Spaces To The Arts Testimonial of Jenneen Beattie, a beneficiary of Toronto Artscape Foundation Launchpad Bursary

@keepsakes_canada

Kraft Awareness

What is your artistic background, both in education and practice?

I received my Bachelors in Fine Arts from OCAD University then participated in a studio placement at the Winchester School of Art, UK. In 2019 I graduated with Honours in Arts Administration and Cultural Management postgraduate program from Humber College, and interned with Toronto Biennial of Art exhibitions department.

I began my first creative entrepreneurial venture in 2010 with a communications consultancy that catered to businesses in Toronto’s

47

It is fully equipped with a dye kitchen, computerized domestic knitting machines, industrial and domestic sewing machines, digital jacquard and handweaving looms, silkscreen and printing equipment, a large communal cutting table and various sized dress forms. The Fashion Greenroom has excellent lighting and adds a layer of professionalism to your images and the documentation of your work. It also provides a place for models to prepare for photoshoots.

How different is it to produce art in a co-shared space as

entertainment district. I have grown the communications consultancy

compared to individual space?

to cater to artists, musicians, and other creative entrepreneurs, and

The great thing about working in a studio setting is being part of a

involve a strong component of mentorship.

In 2016, I created the Keepsakes Canada company which investigates the connection between memory and fabric through textile based media. Our work captures, preserves and turns memories into keepsakes while addressing the notions of souvenir-ship and conservation. It also contains an embedded message around repurposing materials, sustainability and supporting local markets. Currently, I develop community-engaged public art as the Program Manager for Mural Routes.

How did you secure the Toronto Artscape Foundation Launchpad Bursary, and how does it run?

vibrant community and feeding off your co-workers’ energy and creativity. It is really positive to see others working on projects and creating work together. I could compare it to having access to the support systems and studio spaces in University or College without paying tuition. Working alongside other artists helps fuel creative drive and presents opportunities of learning, collaborating and mentorship.

As I am exposed to other creators working towards similar goals and accomplish them, my creative practice is validated.

Has your creative business had a direct impact from the program?

The ADL bursary has provided me with support, mentorship, new opportunities, and access to professional equipment and working spaces that I would not otherwise be fortunate enough to afford on my

I was first a recipient of the Toronto Artscape Foundation Launchpad

own. As a result, I have been able to grow my business with confidence

Bursary March 2019- March 2020 and then currently since September

while being supported and learning from the ADL community and

2020 until March 2021. I secured it by actively reading the Artscape

having access to professional working space.

Daniel’s Launchpad (ADL) newsletters where they put an open call for artists, creative, and entrepreneurs to apply by a set deadline.

The background knowledge of the organization strengthened my application. Once you receive the acceptance email, you need to

How does this program, as a model, contribute to the growth of the arts?

register to attend an orientation. About 100 enthusiastic creatives

I would love to see access to creative studio space become as

poured into the beautiful Sugar Hall that overlooked an amazing view

accessible as public libraries. However, until that day, there are many

of the Toronto waterfront in 2019 during my first orientation. In the 2020

local community centres that provide similar support at affordable

COVID-19 era, orientation was on a Zoom call, and even with technical

membership rates. What the ADL does with this bursary, for instance,

difficulties information was effectively delivered.

is very unique and revolutionary because they focus on young entrepreneurs and invest in them with hopes that this support will

The bursary program includes mentorship support through the faculty,

contribute to future success. It’s truly incredible and I hope more

membership coaches, and bursary services at ADL. Based on the type

corporations will follow their leadership in this field. I also recommend

of bursary, you will likely need to enroll in a 101 or even a second 201

artists in need of creation space to look into continuing education

training workshop before you are permitted to use the studio safely

courses. A night course on weaving or screen-printing will give you

on your own. Once trained you can book time slots to work in the

access to a loom or screen-development studio for a semester.

studio including those not in your specified area. For instance, having completed the woodshop and 3D printing workshops I can use those

Any tips for SMEs in the arts seeking partnerships for creation

studios as part of my bursary. There is also a Jewelry and Fine Metals,

space?

Photography, Music Recording, and Video Production Studios which I haven’t ventured into yet.

In addition recipients have access to day lockers and rentals, to store materials in the venue. The rental contracts are on a 3-month renewal basis which allows flexibility. Having a locker helps me not to carry heavy fabric back and forth between studio sessions.

What does your bursary specifically give you access to?

My specific bursary allows me priority access to the Textile + Fashion Studio and Greenroom, a space that promotes experimentation, collaboration and cross-pollination within its co-working environment.

The Textile + Fashion Studio gives you access to a wide variety of media.

It is important to speak with the organization first and find out their needs and how you can accommodate them. Then you figure out what you can leverage to that organization for the partnership to benefit both parties. If you would like to approach a realtor, for example, to use their empty street-view rental space for a pop-up-shop for a month, what is it that you can offer the realtor in exchange that would make them want to partner with you? Maybe you have a ton of audience members in the area, then postering the neighbourhood with the realtor as a sponsor would be of benefit to them. You could even paint and renovate the space to make it appealing to rent after you vacate.

As creatives we need to think outside the box about our leverage when forming partnerships.

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Kraft Professional Profile

Canada

JillianBarreca Jillian Barreca www.harbourfrontcentre.com/craft/

What is the difference between craft and art? This is a question that has been, and will continue to be, debated for years. I am lucky enough to work at Harbourfront Centre’s Craft & Design department which, headed by director Melanie Egan, adopts a very broad understanding of what craft can be. We aren’t interested in differentiating between art and craft; we believe the two intersect, overlap and feed on one another. Alongside exhibitions, workshops and symposia, I help to run a unique artist-in-residency program which supports postgraduates across a range of craft disciplines: textiles, glass, ceramics, design and metal/jewellery.

I am part of a small but mighty team, operating within a very large and dynamic cultural organization. This means that collaboration and dialogue are integral to my role as I work with finance, marketing, development, visual arts and site services to get things done. I seek to understand what the organization is working towards and how Craft & Design fits into this larger picture through constant communication. Being prompt, reliable and friendly are all qualities that help maintain positive working relationships with those departments and as a result, allow me to work effectively.

As I go about my work, I have to keep both priorities in mind: my department’s goal to support emerging craft professionals and my organization’s goal to be a cultural leader in arts, education and culture. Every new event or initiative is a chance to check in with those overarching mandates once again. Deep listening, inquiry, feedback and discussion are some of the tools that I use to ensure our programming efforts are in line with our artists’ needs. Each year, we welcome a new cohort of residents and with them, comes a new list of wants and needs in terms of professional and personal development. This ever-shifting landscape reminds me to keep adapting and evolving to provide targeted support to those who need it. As soon as I get comfortable in my way of working, a new challenge arises, asking me to face it head on.

Jillian Barreca is Toronto-based arts administrator.

She is passionate about supporting emerging and mid-career artists who work across craft, design and art. Currently, Jillian works as the Assistant for Craft & Design at Harbourfront Centre where she

helps

run

Canada’s

leading Artist-in-Residence Program in textiles, glass, ceramics, jewellery and design.

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Travel

Air Charters Hotel Booking East Africa Safari Pilgrimages & Retreats Organized Group Tours Luxury Airport Transfers Flight Reservation & Ticketing Honeymoon & Family Holidays

Regalo Wonderlust Travel Limited Contact us through:

+254 785 707 056 | +254 719 700 147 Nairobi, Kenya

info@travelregalo.com www.travelregalo.com

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Kreative Manager It is hard to believe that Mumbi Tindyebwa, the current Artistic Director of Obsidian Theatre Company studied Biology first before Theatre in university. At 14 years, she and her family moved to Canada. During her third year at the University of Toronto she directed her first play. By the time she completed the Biology degree her mind was made up to pursue theatre professionally, though it had taken her parents some convincing to let her pursue the arts.

With her ethnic roots in East Africa (Kenya and Uganda) she went back to Uganda for an internship program that used theatre to advocate for social change. This love for the creative community in the region later brought her back to organize Kendu Hearth, an arts conference on innovation and collaboration that convened artists and creative professionals from Canada, USA and Uganda in Kampala. To date this remains one of her pockets of sunshine in her career journey.

However, she attests every project brings delight despite having an element of risk. “I am moved by the desire to express and try new things whether it is by the kind of stories I am telling or the way I am telling these stories. This is the core of every adventure I undertake,” she says. This explains how swiftly she has adjusted to the leadership role of a leading theatre company in Toronto, a position she got just before the COVID-19 lockdown.

Your artistic sensibility is just who you are and on that part, you don’t need to be taught.

Mumbi points out that the pandemic has made the need of connecting and creative expression critical, especially for the Black community which also has to deal with the social injustice events of 2020. She felt an urgent need to create an opportunity for Black artists to respond, which led her to develop and produce 21 Black Futures - an anthology of 21 filmed monodramas by Black artists all over Canada. This project explores the question, What is the Future of Blackness? A question seeking to show the diversity of Black experiences because there is not one single story to it.

“Whenever there is an opportunity to have a bigger conversation and dialogue through a project like 21 Black Futures, it is an outstanding moment for me,” she adds.

Having been once a Newcomer, she urges artists settling into new

Canada

communities not to wait for permission to tell their stories but instead keep creating and sharing their work. The Founder of It’s

Artistic Director Obsidian Theatre Company

a Freedom Thing (IFT) Theatre used this same mantra to curve out

Mumbi Tindyebwa:

but because it was an opportunity to meet people, network and

her artistic path in Canada. Mumbi remembers taking advantage of emerging artists’ programs not because she always felt emerging invite them on her creative adventures. She commends such programs and grants from art supporting newcomer artists who

Tell The Story You Need To Tell www.obsidiantheatre.com

she says are not short of ideas, but just need access to resources that enable creation and promotion of their work.

If the award-winning Artistic Director was to meet a younger version of herself, her urge would be simple: believe in yourself.

“Your artistic sensibility is just who you are and that part, you don’t need to be taught. You can learn the skills to administer or support it, but the heart of it you know. So trust that and don’t wait for approval.”

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Kraft Toolkit Cricut Machine An electric craft machine used to cut materials for a wide range of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects like scrapbooking, paper flowers, labels and tags.

Kshs. 45,000 to 57,000 USD 411–520

Sizzix Machine A manual machine used for die-cutting craft paper and other heavy weighted materials that scissors can’t cut like felt, craft form, burlap, fabric.

Kshs. 38000 to 45000 USD 347–411

Both machines have been featured from DIY Studio, Nairobi-Kenya

Order online via:

@theDIYStudioKenya www.thediystudio.africa

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Colour.

The Language of Dreams

Brand:

Tsenke

Crafted Passionately Collection:

I Am Engaged Products & Services: Jewelry | Art Therapy & Mentorship | Creative Entrepreneurship | Quality Waste Recycling | Interior Decoration

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Happiness Is A Journey

I

am

an

interactive

jewelry

and

installation cultural ambassador who finds visual art as an appropriate and easy language to shape any audience

on

issues

concerning

Humanity and Race. I believe that we are all created to be happy, vocal and free. My works of Art constitute a variety of both organic and inorganic materials, sending out that colourful, hopeful

and

positive

message

to

whoever receives it. Through this, i have excitedly turned thoughts into tangible

and

shareable

creations

guided by my assertive conscious.

Tsenke / Acoustic Teddy Nabisenke

acoustictsenke

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Kreative Advocacy

Make Creative Arts A Government Priority By:

Michelle Adhiambo - Roelle Crafts The East African region is experiencing a

back to 2006 and only relates to traditional

During the COVID-19 pandemic the Kenyan

vibrant rise of creative enterprises in the

forms of literature, music, dance and not to

Government set aside Kshs. 100 million

information age, with more people engaging

the Creative Economy in its entirety. Culture

to support artists through the campaign

in artistic ventures in fashion and design,

is not even specifically mentioned as part of

“Together at Home”. This was met with a lot

film, visual arts, craft, culture and heritage.

their 2040 vision.

of backlash from the public because of the

However the sector needs more Government support

to

accelerate

and

sustain

previous trend where the arts are allocated

this

Apart from policies, other challenges like

small budgets. New policies like this should

growth. Government policies continue to

inadequate funding, high taxation, lack of

be supported by awareness of the industry’s

lack prioritization of the creative and cultural

investment in modern production equipment,

impact and need assessment, to increase the

industry.

access to market, competition from imported

general appreciation of these policies and

products and lack of affordable creation

make them sustainable. Progressive steps

Kenya and Tanzania Governments for instance

spaces are all barriers which our governments

are being made but it is time for big strides

have incorporated arts as a sub-segment in the

have the power to minimize. Many reports

so that the creative industry can become a

Ministry of Sports, Culture & Heritage. A better

on the creative economy dating back to

central part in the development of East African

policy would be creating an independent

five years ago highlight this reluctance from

societies.

Ministry solely focussed on arts and culture.

governments to prioritize arts and culture in

In Ethiopia there are no copyright collection

East Africa, even with its continued notable

societies which are needful in protecting the

social and economic impact - like job creation

work of artists and enabling development in

in our societies. (Ubunifu Report 2016, Business

innovation. Uganda’s Cultural Policy dates

Environment Reform Facility).

Kreative Diary

The Road Less Travelled By Non-Creatives Chenyenyozi Joy

Sometime back I realised that I am scared to put out my work. No. I am scared of letting myself create and looking, and hating it. In my creative hibernation I stopped reading, I stopped watching movies. You would expect these to be an inlet for my creativity but there was nothing. I started eating bread and eggs for dinner when not ordering in, rather when my pocket wouldn’t allow it. I forgot how to art. In all its forms including cooking. Then I remained in this state for a year.

This is what happened to me in the hibernation year: I worked an 8-5 job. Thankfully I didn’t need to wear suits, just needed to cover my nakedness and show up. And show up I did, every day for one year. Some days I was more driven than others because having a constant salary isn’t a bad thing at all. But I let my creative juices get trapped in airless jars inside the shelves of my being and I slowly died inside.

It is said that what you do not nuture, will die off eventually and this was true for my creativity. When COVID-19 hit, I decided it was an opportunity to heal along with the earth. No, I didn’t read. I didn’t write. I didn’t cook new things either. I felt like emotions were compressed inside me. I would oscillate from happy to unhappy to meehh every day. And I cried. Then I sang.

I forget how to art. I have remained in this state for a year. I will bounce back creating.

Something hurt then easened up. I wasn’t sure what it was. My outlet started showing up in song, an art I had long forgotten existed within me. So what else had I forgotten?

Film making. I found my niche in production, not script writing but the ensemble of all parts to make the film making machine run. That drew me in. And then I started watching movies. Not just for entertainment but with a creative inlet aim of learning from film creators. I wanted to create as well. I wanted to let out the characters in my mind on paper and bring them to life.

Did you know that script writers don’t necessarily get to see their scripts come to life as whole pieces? That scared me.

I couldn’t imagine birthing my characters and presenting them to someone who would kill them! I decided to aid those willing to write. I decided to produce their stories. I decided to make them see the light of day. And that is how I found my feet.

Trying my hand at production helped rejuvenate my creativity. Am I perfect at this? No. Sometimes I think I will fall off the creative wagon. However I do know that I will always bounce back to creating in one form or other. Maybe I will be able to paint soon. But in the meantime, who knows how to get rid of acne on the chin? Would you maybe write about it? I promise to read, then produce an award-winning film.

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Jambo Sekoya

Reclaiming The African Narrative

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East Africa: +254 706 809 291

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