By Ogova Ondego
Published May 21, 2012
May 22, 2012 sees the launch of the Kenya Visual Artists Network Exhibition showcasing the work of 53 artists and dubbed ‘Power of Unity: Creating a Vital Voice for Artists to Influence Good Governance’ that runs through July 22, 2012.
The event “to be presided over by Gichira Kibara, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs and Marjaana Sall, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union Delegation to Kenya” shall be a culmination of a six-week preparation by the Non State Actors Support Programme (NSA – NET) of the Ministry of Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs, the National Museums of Kenya and local artists with financing from the European Union’s 9th European Development Fund (9th EDF).
The main objective of the exhibition and network is to enable artists to create a platform on which to articulate issues affecting them as a discipline.
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The letter inviting participation of artists in April 2012 said the initiative was meant to provide an opportunity for artist to showcase their work, avail an opportunity for visual artists to discuss and endorse the formation of a visual artists network, and to officially launch a visual artists network.
Among other conditions for participation, artists were expected to be aged at least 25 years; be practising artist who had participated in at least five exhibitions; and submit at least one piece of artwork addressing either of the three good governance themes: promotion of public participation, promotion of peaceful co-existence and promotion of effective service delivery.
The artists whose work shall be exhibited include Hudson Ngari, Adrian Nduma, George Kimani Mungai, Sebastian Kiarie, George Ngaruiya, James Orina, Thika Charles Ngatia, Peter Kimani, Androuelle Simiyu Susan, Eric Wamagata, Chuma Pascal, Hudson Lumiti, Allan Joseph, Njoroge Robert, Alfred Oduya, Seth Musindi, Tabitha Wa Thuku, Joseph Mbugua, Evanson Kangethe Njuguna, Allan K. Githuka, Omari Idi, Moses Muingai Ndungu Kamau, Hassan M Athman, Josphat Kimori, John Solly Savala, Stephen Amata, Peter Mumia, Peter Kibunja Daniel Wanjau Wangai, Nicholas Ngingi Muthee, Michael Wafula,James Matu, Joseph Kamiri, Eliud Kiarie Gicharu, Robinson Kimanthi, Sande Lucas, Samuel Githui, Moses Nyawanda, Moses Njoroge Chege, Geoffrey W. Mwaura, Martin Otieno Miyonga, John Mwangi Maina, John Gitonga Karuri, Elias Bahati, Anne N. Mwiti, Isabellah Nyanchoka, Kangoroti Muuruh, Martin Kamuyu, Dedanson Mwangi, Naftali Mageto Momanyi, Mary Ogembo, and Joseph M.N. Mungothi.
