Open call: Nnawiri artist fellowship in Nairobi

Nnawiri Fellowship is a week-long programme where women and non-binary creative artists from various disciplines will be invited to come together and co-create.

Visual artists, poets, graphic artists, writers, songwriters and more will merge their talents, skills and innate capabilities as they explore the potential impact, role and standing of art in the political economy space.

During this multidisciplinary fellowship, artists will be inspired to create art that explores the effects of economic policies on the communities we live in and the effects of the political economy on our everyday lives. It is integral that artists are instrumental to political change, and a small creative seed can birth a revolution. Nnawiri hopes to stir that seed in each of the participants by holding space for these creations.

During the residency, participants will also witness and participate in talks/sessions with artists, poets, writers and political theorists who will share ways to help broaden our political awareness. Inspired by these talks, artists will explore their creativity via collaboration and the application of various artistic mediums.

The main creative output will be in the form of a zine, which will include art, words, collage and more as the format of expression. Zine making will be a part of the fellowship programme and therefore no prior experience of zine making is needed.

Fellows will benefit from a continued alumni network that will be formed after the programme ends. There is also potential for an exhibition of works created – this is yet to be confirmed and would take place based on the availability of participants.

There is a small stipend for fellows and all materials will be provided. Lunch and snacks will be available during the daily sessions. Sessions and workshops will be held on all six days of the fellowship from 10am to 4pm in the Nairobi area.

You’re eligible to apply if you are:

• An artist or creative exploring art and culture (these include, but are not limited to, fine artist, musician, graphic designer, poet, writer, songwriter, photographer, etc.)
• female or non-binary
• Kenyan
• Available to meet in Nairobi within the programme dates.
• Between the ages of 18 and 33.

Note: You do not need to be an established artist to apply, interest and some experience in the subject matter is sufficient for application. The programme is looking to hold the space where creation is activated and encouraged.

If you are interested, fill in the form here. The application deadline is 23 January 2024 at 11.59pm.

Successful applicants will be notified by 25 January.

For any additional questions, email nnawirifellowship@gmail.com or info@nawi.africa with the subject line ‘Nnawiri Fellowship 2024 question’.

To learn more about Nawi Afrifem Collective, visit the official website.

View the original call here.