Mainstreaming Art: KICC Mini Gallery Re-opens With Young Artists Showcasing Their Work

Art has always been perceived by many non-artists as that 'other' activity, those weird people, that strange and different thing that people do. But this last week of March will be a great time for the exhibiting artists at the KICC Mini Gallery in Nairobi. The Kenyatta International Convention Centre has once again, opened its doors to young artists to showcase art and crafts at the open space on the ground floor of the iconic building. This is part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s agenda to promote jobs and opportunities for youth and supporting ‘hustlers’.

The KICC Mini Gallery is set up at the ground floor of the KICC.

Karakana Initiative, with the support of the KICC as the exhibition venue and the artists collective Sanaa Art Universe, has put together this art exhibition. The show opened on Monday and will run till Saturday 1st April. The show is open daily from 10:00 am till 6:00pm and all the art and crafts on display are up for sale. In this exhibition, we have 20 exhibiting artists taking part with paintings, drawings, pastel art, mixed media, fashion and clothing items as well as crafts and jewellery.

This exhibition has a diverse range of art and crafts, drawings, paintings and mixed media.

Addressing attendees at the opening night of the exhibition, the acting KICC CEO Miss Patricia Ondeng stated that the Corporation is set out to support young artists and creatives, as KICC celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. She went ahead to affirm that the KICC is keen on art, creatives and the youth, encouraging them to be part of the unique activities lined up to commemorate 50 years of this iconic facility.

The Ag. CEO of the KICC Miss Patricia Ondeng said the KICC Mini Gallery is part of the Government's deliberate efforts to create jobs and opportunities for youth and 'hustlers'.

Karakana and Sanaa Art Universe has brought together a team of 20 artists. Artists taking part in this exhibition are Allan Akumba, Ashna Kamande, Billy Jordan, Bruce Otieno, Catherine Gathiga, Frank Murrat, Gloriah Mwangangi, Kaspa Kasambeko, Kens Bravo (Etched Glass), Kevin Wamae, Marius Frank, Agnes Atieno, Virginia Wayua, ‘Pekena’ Wanjiku and Kamau wa Njoroge, Timothy Maina and Kraft Konnect, a crafts art group from Dandora.

The KICC CEO with some of the 20 exhibiting artists at the opening cocktail last evening at the KICC, Nairobi.

Working together with like-minded partners and artists, it is our objective as Karakana to continue with our efforts to mainstream art, make diverse art experiences to be part of our everyday lives at home, at work and at events of all kinds.

KICC CEO with the 'Brand Elder' and personal branding consultant George Adulu and the Karakana Founder, Stephen Nderitu.

Vincent Lilechi, an artist, designer and art lecturer, and the vision bearer at Sanaa Art Universe with some of the exhibiting artists at the cocktail last night.

Artist 'Pekena' Wanjiku addressing guests at the event last evening.

Among the guests at the event last evening were representatives from the Nairobi County Culture and Tourism department, represented by Ms. Joyce Rutiari who is in-charge Product Development and Research (in blue coat). We were also honoured to have Mr. Leakey Odera, the Chairman of Mr. and Miss University Kenya and CEO of Pambazuka Entertainment (extreme right).

The evening cocktail was also a good opportunity to meet new people and network.

A 'mainstreaming art' evening.

The KICC Mini Gallery has a diverse display of art, including these wielded pieces by Kamau wa Njoroge

Some of the paintings by 'Kaspa' Kasambeko