Open Call for Artists

Deadline Extended! New submission deadline is Wednesday 28th June. 

 
Uweza Foundation seeks to empower children and youth to pursue a better future through the discovery and development of their talents and abilities. Building on our more than ten year-history of running Uweza Art Gallery in Kibera, we are excited to announce an open call and talent search for artists from informal settlements in Nairobi. 
 

The call aims to discover and amplify new, up-and-coming artists from underrepresented communities. Female artists are especially encouraged to apply.

An independent judging panel will select 4 winners to receive prize packages.

Additionally, 90 selected artists will have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work in a large-scale exhibition and art sale to be held online and in Nairobi.

45 artists will be chosen to attend a free twelve-week training in art and marketing. Transport will be provided.

Artists will have the opportunity to join Uweza Art Gallery, which provides free materials and a marketing platform for young artists.

Prize packages:

1st Place Overall: Prize Package worth 60,000 KSH
2nd Place Overall: Prize Package worth 45,000 KSH
3rd Place Overall: Prize Package worth 30,000 KSH
Female Winner: Prize Package worth 45,000 KSH
 
Eligibility:
 
  • Legal Kenyan resident, aged between 18-30 years; submit copy of National ID or passport as proof
  • Resident of one of nine informal settlements in Nairobi including Dandora, Kangemi, Kariobangi, Kawangware, Kayole, Kibra, Korogocho, Mathare, or Mukuru ; submit National ID or letter from chief as proof.

Terms of Submission:

  • Submission deadline: Wednesday 28th June, 2023 11:59 pm EAT 
  • Format: Paintings, drawings, collages, mixed media pieces may be submitted. Photographs and digital media are not eligible. Work must be 100 cm x 100 cm or less. You will be submitting photos of your work but the original work must be available for sale and exhibition.
  • Each artist may submit between 1 and 3 pieces of work for consideration. Each piece will be judged individually. 
  • There is no theme and works on any theme or subject may be submitted. 
  • All artwork submitted must be original creations of the participants and should not infringe upon any copyrights, trademarks, or intellectual property rights of others. Entrants grant the contest organizer a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, and distribute the submitted artwork for promotional purposes related to the contest and exhibition. Entrants retain copyright and ownership of his/her individual work.

Judging criteria:

Submitted work will be judged by a panel of independent judges according to creativity, originality, technical skill, and overall impact.

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This project is funded by Ignite Culture, a grant facility for creative and cultural sectors in East Africa implemented by HEVA in partnership with the British Council Kenya, with the financial contribution of the European Union, and further support from the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of states(OACPS).

Entry Form:

 

DD slash MM slash YYYY
Gender(Required)
Where do you live?(Required)

Do you currently make income from your art?(Required)
What is the most you have ever sold a piece for in KSH?(Required)
(If you are not selling your work, please put "N/A")
(If you have not received training, please put "N/A")
Max. file size: 5 MB.
Upload your National ID. If your National ID does not show your current residence, please obtain a letter from the local chief verifying your residence.
Max. file size: 5 MB.
Original work must be available and must be 100 cm x 100 cm or less.
Include size in cm and medium (e.g. acrylic on canvas, pencil on paper)
Original work must be available and must be 100 cm x 100 cm or less.
Max. file size: 10 MB.
Original work must be available and must be 100 cm x 100 cm or less.
Include size in cm and medium (e.g. acrylic on canvas, pencil on paper)
Original work must be available and must be 100 cm x 100 cm or less.
Max. file size: 10 MB.
Original work must be available and must be 100 cm x 100 cm or less.
Include size in cm and medium (e.g. acrylic on canvas, pencil on paper)
Original work must be available and must be 100 cm x 100 cm or less.
Max. file size: 10 MB.