Managing Director Rebecca Corey`s speech at the signing cere-

mony with Muda Africa and Nafasi Art Space, 11.10.2017

Her Excellency, Ambassador Hanne-Marie Kaarstad

Dear Executive Secretary of BASATA, Mr. Mngereza

Dear Members of the Press,

Dear Members of the Audience,

Thank you for coming,

Nafasi Art Space is a contemporary art centre in Mikocheni B, Dar es Salaam,

founded in 2008. True to its name, which means possibility or chance in Swahili,
Nafasi provides opportunities for visual and performing artists to create, learn, and
exchange. Nafasi is one of the few art organisations in Tanzania dedicated to em-
powering local artists and advancing public art programmes through exhibitions,
performances, and workshops.

Open to the community and home to more than sixty member artists, the Nafasi
art collective fosters self-expression, giving space for artists to create work that can
have a transformative effect in society, whilst also providing feasible means for so-
cio-economic development. Nafasis art programmes are aimed at youth, low-in-
come communities, women, and other marginalised groups who have limited op-
portunities to enjoy the arts.

In 2016, Nafasi embarked on a new 5-year strategic plan with the overall goal of
protecting and strengthening cultural rights for both artists and audiences in Tan-
zania. The anticipated outcome of our strategy is to help build a strong and thriv-
ing art sector in Dar es Salaam, by increasing art production, providing opportuni-
ties for education and exchange for artists, boosting the visibility of contemporary
arts, and building Nafasi into a more sustainable and financially independent cre-
ative hub.

We are deeply grateful for the support of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, who have
agreed to provide core support to our strategic plan for up to three years, during
2017-2020. This support will help us to cover the basic expenses that keep the
space running, from rent, electricity, water, and security, to salaries for our staff,
production expenses for exhibitions and events, and marketing and promotions.
Nafasi supports the human right to participate in free and active cultural life, which
strengthens the community and builds a shared sense of cultural pride and identi-

Nafasi Art Space, P.O. Box 31715 | Eyasi road, Industrial Area | Mikocheni B, Dar es Salaam
www.nafasiartspace.org | info@nafasiartspace.org | www.facebook.com/nafasiartspace
ty. We are excited to partner with the Norwegian Embassy in this effort to have a
positive impact on society through art.

Asanteni Sana!

Nafasi Art Space, P.O. Box 31715 | Eyasi road, Industrial Area | Mikocheni B, Dar es Salaam
www.nafasiartspace.org | info@nafasiartspace.org | www.facebook.com/nafasiartspace