Ladies and gentlemen, art enthusiasts, and culture aficionados, welcome to the most thrilling showcase of creativity through the Braid Fund! 🚀

At the Braid Fund, we're all about celebrating the unsung heroes of African culture and creativity. The Braid Fund sees the health of the art, culture and cultural heritage sector and its contributions to wider society as a weaving of elements:  our disciplines, our practitioners, and our communities. Intertwining these strands leads to improved relationships, new work, increased connection and greater influence.

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A collaboration between the Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TICAH) and the Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth (#CultureGrows) program by the British Council, the Braid offers small grants to innovative practitioners of art and culture projects in East Africa. These projects aim to empower communities, bridge generational divides, and promote culture and art in all its forms.

Today, we're introducing you to our Champion and Collaboration & Completion categories. In an era where the importance of cultural preservation, empowerment, and innovation is paramount, Africa's creative minds are stepping up to the plate. They are taking on critical issues such as cultural heritage protection, skills development, and nurturing the next generation of artists. Get to know our grantees here!

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Rada Studios (Kenya)
Braid Fund Category: Champion
Project: Food Exhibition: Fight for Food is a collaborative effort between The Mother Tree, Rada Studios, and Microshamba Food Forest, focusing on Kenya's food production challenges through six documentary films, farm installations, and impact initiatives. These films address topics like restrictive seed sharing laws, toxic agrichemicals, multinational land encroachment, water reserve issues, and climate change impacts. The grant application seeks support for an online exhibition exploring Kenyan indigenous foods, their colonial history, and postcolonial shifts affecting local diets. This interactive exhibition, part of a broader impact campaign, aims to engage audiences globally, fostering awareness and action on critical food production issues.

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 PlayWrights Playhouse (Uganda)
Braid Fund Category: Champion
Project: Art and Theatre Mentorship program: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, educational and entertainment institutions in Uganda, including the Playwrights Playhouse and Wava Nursery School, were forced to close. To address this, the initiative plans to transform Wava Nursery School into an arts apprenticeship center and community theatre in Mugongo-Kyengera. This initiative aims to provide mentorship and arts education to youths aged 16 to 26 who lack access to such opportunities. Weekly mentorship sessions, monthly workshops, and quarterly events will be offered to empower mentees. The initiative seeks support for sound and lighting equipment to create a vibrant creative space for both artists and patrons.
 

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‍Chamwino Arts Centre (Tanzania)
Braid Fund Category: Champion
Project: Skills training for traditional musicians and craft people: Chamwino Arts Center (C.A.C) has been working with traditional groups since 2005 to promote and preserve Tanzanian culture. They organize the Cigogo Music Festival, bringing together traditional groups to celebrate their cultural heritage through music and dance. Many of these groups lack formal education in arts and struggle with poverty despite their talents. C.A.C recognizes the need to provide training in various skills such as arts administration, music entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and legal knowledge to help these artists formalize their work, build sustainable careers, and contribute to economic development. They plan to organize a three-month training program to support traditional artists in Dodoma region.

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Ongala Music Festival (Tanzania)
Braid Fund Category: Champion
Project: The Remmy Ongala Festival: The Ongala Music Festival (OMF), established in 2018, is a 3-day live music event in Tanzania inspired by the legendary musician Remmy Ongala. Ongala's music, known as "Bongo Beat," played a pivotal role in Tanzanian music culture. OMF celebrates his legacy by providing a platform for artists rooted in culture and heritage, fostering artistic experimentation, and building international networks. It aims to empower young African artists, promoting sustainable careers and contributing to Tanzania's cultural and economic growth.

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‍Sanyu Centre for Arts and Rights (Uganda)
Braid Fund Category: Champion
Project: Business skills training for young women in the Arts: Sanyu Centre for Arts and Rights (SARI) plans to assist 50 young artisans, aged 14-30, in Kyebando and Kamwokya, Kampala, by providing mentorship and financial support to establish creative businesses. They will offer training in their own creative space, focusing on handicrafts made from recycled materials and supporting fashion designers with equipment. Monthly workshops will cover project proposal development, marketing skills, and more. Participants will enhance their online presence through social media and group learning, with a dedicated website page for marketing. A short film will showcase their work, and collaboration with exhibitions will provide exposure to potential buyers and investors. The project will continue through online resources, group collaborations, and social media after the initial six months.

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Santuri East Africa (Tanzania)
Braid Fund Category: Champion
Project: Digitizing and promoting Taraab music: This project aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the coastal region in Kenya by digitizing a collection of over 5000 cassettes from the now-defunct Mbwana Radio Service (MRS) in Mombasa. It consists of three interconnected strands: a documentary film tracing the story of the cassette collection, a capacity-building workshop on preservation and digital distribution, and a showcase event featuring Mijikenda musicians in Nairobi. The documentary will raise awareness and funds, the workshop will provide valuable training, and the showcase will enhance the profile of performing artists. The project will run from October 2023 to March 2024, bringing this cultural tradition to new audiences and addressing challenges related to artist expectations, intellectual property rights, and cultural communication.

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Dance Into Space (Kenya)
Braid Fund Category: Champion
Project: Mixed Ability Dance Project: Dance Into Space proposes a unique, multi-disciplinary residency in Siaya, merging traditional and contemporary dance with dramaturgy, involving artists with and without disabilities. Collaborating with Nairobi artists, it aims to create a community dance-theatre performance exploring gender myths in Siaya county's public spaces. This 16-week project includes site visits for inspiration, studio work, performance creation, and public outreach, fostering a cultural exchange between local and Nairobi artists while challenging patriarchal narratives. Led by the artistic director, the project seeks to integrate nature, creativity, and inclusivity into its captivating performance.

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Culture and Development East Africa (Tanzania)
Braid Fund Category: Collaboration
Project: "Fusion music incubator for emerging musicians in Dar es Salaam”: Culture and Development East Africa’s (CDEA) Fusion Music Incubator in Dar es Salaam is dedicated to supporting young fusion musicians, offering them a platform to enhance their live performance skills and gain insights from experienced Tanzanian artists. This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of internationally competitive musicians, elevating Tanzania's live music industry. The program will include networking opportunities and connections within the music industry. The activities will be hosted at CDEA's Eco Sanaa Terrace in Mbezi Beach. Emerging musicians aged 18-35, who have previously featured on CDEA's Midundo Online Radio, will receive training from renowned artists and mentors, ultimately performing at the Ongala Music Festival 2023. The incubator runs from September to December 2023.

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‍Evans Akanyijuka (Uganda)
Braid Fund Category: Collaboration
Project: “Cultural Modernity and Its Influence on Cultural Heritage Protection”: This collaborative project at Kiggundu Art Studio in Ndejje, Kampala, will delve into the concept of cultural modernity and its impact on cultural heritage using various art forms such as fabric stories, digital art, podcasting, and painting. With a focus on Karamoja as a case study, the project aims to dispel the notion that culture and traditional norms hinder progress, as suggested by modernization theory. Instead, it seeks to demonstrate how modern practices can actually promote the preservation of cultural heritage. The project will involve 15 participants, including representatives from Karamoja, who will engage in workshops and sessions, ultimately leading to an exhibition in the final month. Activities will include fabric printing to tell indigenous cultural stories, digital art creation, visual art workshops, and a podcast series.

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‍Muda Africa Organisation (Uganda)
Braid Fund Category: Collaboration
Project: The "Jana Ndio Leo" project seeks to bridge the wisdom of Taarab musicians with the innovation of contemporary African and urban youth dance. Taarab, a traditional music form with roots dating back to the late 19th century, has seen declining interest among younger generations who favor modern music and dance styles. To preserve this cultural heritage and give contemporary Tanzanian art forms a unique identity, the project will create a new dance-theatre production that combines Taarab music with trendy urban contemporary dance. Led by Muda Africa's artistic director, this collaboration between Taarab elders and young dancers aims to revive and popularize Taarab music among the youth. The production will be showcased at local communities in Dar es Salaam and schools as part of Muda Africa's outreach efforts, supported by a comprehensive publicity campaign.

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‍The Nairobi Print Project (Kenya)
Braid Fund Category: Completion
Project: NAIPOD: The Nairobi Print Project (NPP) is an online platform focused on research and dialogue concerning art and curatorial practice in Africa and the black diaspora. Initially supported by the Abakanowicz Arts and Culture Charitable Foundation and the Goethe-Institut Kenya, NPP has developed a website hosting an open-access library and is preparing to launch a podcast and commissioned articles. The podcast's first season will feature discussions with artists, curators, and writers on contemporary art and the importance of critical engagement. NPP aims to provide a platform that amplifies and centralizes these critical voices across the continent. Currently, they are seeking additional funding to offer honorariums to guests, purchase editing software, and subscribe to podcast hosting services.

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Jim Joel (Uganda)
Braid Fund Category: Completion
Project: "Exploring Kampala’s cemetery of cinemas through Elly Wamala’s Ebinyumu Ebyaffe": The "Ebinyuma Ebyaffe" project, meaning "Our Happy Places" in Swahili, aims to explore Kampala's architectural wonders from the 1960s through the lens of Elly Wamala's song. This project seeks to unveil the hidden stories and architectural treasures of Kampala's cinematic history, focusing on advocating for the preservation of the Norman Cinema, currently occupied by Watoto Church. Using a hybrid approach combining online and offline elements, including podcasts, photography, and city walks, the project aims to ignite a conversation about heritage conservation while accommodating the church's redevelopment needs. Through interactive experiences, exhibitions, and podcasts, the project aims to engage the public, fostering dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders to strike a balance between heritage preservation and necessary growth.

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‍Judith Bwire (Kenya)
Braid Fund Category: Collaboration
Project: “NAMACHEKE Live Show: Celebrating Kenya's Heritage Gem”: NAMACHEKE Live Show is a four-part pilot series hosted by Judith Bwire, also known as Mama Afrika, celebrating Kenyan creatives aged 65 and above. The show explores the lives and talents of these seasoned artists and professionals, showcasing their contributions to music, fashion, food, and medicine. It emphasizes inclusivity by integrating sign language, ensuring accessibility to the deaf community and fostering intergenerational connections. The objectives include honoring older creatives, preserving oral culture, and connecting generations pursuing creative careers. The show's structure includes profile build-up, in-depth interviews, and a sign language section, offering a captivating glimpse into the extraordinary journeys of its guests. The production spans seven weeks, including pre-production, recordings, and post-production in Nairobi.

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‍Lydia Matata (Kenya)
Braid Fund Category: Completion
Project: "Pepo Kali" is a short fictional film centered around a woman in her 50s who embarks on a journey to learn motorcycle riding after her daughter, a biker, tragically passes away in a riding accident. However, her grief intensifies with each riding lesson, delving into themes of loss, regret, and complicated grief. The film draws inspiration from the increasing number of women bikers and women-only motorcycle clubs in Nairobi and explores their world. Shot in Nairobi with local filmmakers and featuring women bikers as actors, "Pepo Kali" targets a diverse audience, including women motorcyclists, bike enthusiasts, creatives, and general film audiences locally and internationally. Currently in post-production, the film's marketing and distribution will follow, with plans to showcase it at various film festivals to reach a global audience.

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‍Msanii Kimani wa Wanjiru (Kenya)
Braid Fund Category: Collaboration
Project: The Africa Comic Art Festival (EACAF) is committed to mentoring young women comic artists, addressing critical issues like climate change, and expanding support for all comic artists. This initiative includes hosting the inaugural EACAF, an annual festival in November, designed to nurture the growth of the East African comic industry and foster its ecosystem through engaging comic conversations that connect various stakeholders. Additionally, EACAF seeks to establish international connections and has formed a significant partnership with the esteemed Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF) in the UK.

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‍Nabulime Victoria (Uganda)
Braid Fund Category: Collaboration
Project: "Resilient Spirit" is a three-month initiative in Uganda that celebrates female artists of all backgrounds aged 18 to 35. Participants engage in workshops, receive mentorship, and have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork. The workshops focus on essential skills, portfolio development, marketing, and guidance on grant applications, allowing mentors to share techniques and expertise to enhance artists' creativity. The campaign's finale is an exhibition that not only connects artists with the art market but also serves as an inspiring platform for others in the art community.
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Naitiemu (Kenya)
Braid Fund Category: Collaboration
Project: “Enkang Ang”: An innovative audiovisual and VR documentation project that immerses viewers in Maasai culture, specifically focusing on the stories and traditions of the Twala Tenebo women's village. The project involves the collaboration of 12 female creatives in various roles. The grant facilitates an eco-friendly exhibition in Nanyuki, offering insights into Maasai homes, ceremonies, and cultural practices. 3D scanning technology preserves content for an immersive VR experience, complete with interactive elements. The exhibition not only shares knowledge and experiences with the community but also strives to preserve communal wisdom and educate others. The project launches in September and continues at the Nanyuki Creative Festival in December, with proceeds from print sales benefiting the Twala Tenebo village. Nairobi Design Week and Leo Local are proud supporters of this initiative, empowering youth and communities alike.‍

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Nantaba Elsie Brenda (Uganda)
Braid Fund Category: Collaboration
Project: “Enju”: This project focuses on preserving Ugandan heritage and decolonizing its history through the innovative use of VR technology and storytelling. It aims to empower Ugandans through gamified interactive experiences, contributing to sustainable individual and societal development. The project emphasizes the significance of storytelling in Africa and seeks to demystify Ugandan culture and history. Starting at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasubi Tombs, representing the history of the Buganda Kingdom, the initiative spans three months and involves site visits, interviews, and the development of a VR application and 3D interactive walkthrough. Ultimately, the project intends to generate both local and global interest in the site, promoting virtual tourism and benefiting local communities.‍

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Ngugi Waweru Wanjiku (Kenya)
Braid Fund Category: Completion
Project: “Mbinguni kumepasuka”: Ngugi Waweru's exhibition, showcases sculptures crafted from motorcycle chains, copper, household items, and used knives. This exhibition serves as an extension of his previous installation, "Kahiuo Kugi Gatema O Mwena," which was displayed in 2022 at Circle Art Gallery and Document 15 in Germany. The primary goal of this exhibition is to engage cultural practitioners, artists, collectors, and gallerists within Nairobi. It will be held at Wajukuu artist studio in Mukuru, with the aim of reaching both the Nairobi art community and the enthusiastic residents of Mukuru. Artwork creation is currently in progress, with preparations underway.

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‍Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program (Kenya)
Braid Fund Category: Collaboration
Project: “Revitalising & promoting the language and culture of the Ogiek community”: The project aims to support the Ogiek community in preserving their traditional culture and language, as they have faced forced evictions and loss of livelihood due to government actions. To achieve this, the Ogiek Cultural Festival will be organized, bringing together community members from six counties to showcase various cultural performances, nature walks, and knowledge-sharing sessions between elders and youth. The event will also feature a museum displaying traditional artifacts and support local artists. The festival is planned to take place over two days at the Nkareta Cultural Center in Narok, Kenya, fostering cultural preservation and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

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‍Pius Matunge (Tanzania)
Braid Fund Category: Collaboration
Project: “Colour your history book” (Waluguru Phase): The project aims to preserve and share the cultural heritage of the Waluguru indigenous community in Tanzania, specifically in the Morogoro region, by creating a history-themed coloring book for primary and secondary school students. Tanzania's diverse culture and history, often passed down through oral traditions, are at risk of being lost due to modern influences. The project collaborates with experts and community members to ensure accuracy and authenticity. It unfolds in three phases: conceptualization, trials with community feedback, and community engagement through coloring sessions in schools. The project aims to promote cultural preservation, education, and appreciation among younger generations while making its resources accessible online and using the coloring book as a fundraising tool.

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‍Sol Kids Africa (Kenya)
Braid Fund Category: Completion
Project: “Papa and I”: This project aims to finalize a Pan African children's book and Global IP content that celebrates African fatherhood. The grant funds will be utilized for completing the digital art, illustrations, book printing, organizing a launch event, and donating 100 copies to various institutions. This initiative is a part of the "Papa and I" series authored by Melissa Wakhu and Polycarp Otieno.

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‍Nelson Mandela – Maramaso (Tanzania)
Braid Fund Category: Completion
Project: "LOVE IS THE RELIGION: Uniting Cultures Through Music" project aims to bridge cultural gaps and promote unity through music by creating and releasing Ambasa Mandela's debut album, which explores themes of self-love and harmonious coexistence. The project, primarily implemented in Tanzania and Kenya, involves Ambasa Mandela as the lead artist, collaborating musicians, producers, sound engineers, and local communities engaging with the music through digital platforms and live performances. The project targets a diverse audience of music enthusiasts, Sarabi band fans, and individuals interested in cultural exchange, with a 6-month implementation period encompassing recording, production, marketing, digital distribution, and live performances.