The Kenyan chapter of the Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF) is gearing up for a pivotal event on July 14, spearheaded by PANAF’s esteemed partner, Ketebul Music. Scheduled to commence at 2 pm (EAT) in the Chatroom section of the PANAF website, this virtual gathering aims to delve into the intersection of art and activism under the theme “Artivism: The Power of Creative Expression in Activism.”
The discussion, facilitated by Ketebul Music, will explore how artistic expression can serve as a potent tool for social change and empowerment. Artists, activists, and enthusiasts alike are invited to participate in this dynamic exchange of ideas, where panelists will spotlight various forms of artivism and its impact on driving meaningful societal transformation.
Among the focal points of the dialogue are the role of music, visual arts, spoken word, and other creative mediums in advancing social justice causes. Participants will also examine case studies of successful artivist movements, highlighting the power of collaborative efforts in effecting change.
“Art has an unparalleled ability to ignite passion, provoke thought, and mobilize communities,” Ketebul Music project manager Nick Abonyo said. “ In a world plagued by social injustices, artists possess a unique responsibility to harness their creative energies in service of activism. Our chatroom discussion aims to underscore the indispensable role of artivism in fostering dialogue, empathy, and collective action.”
With art as its catalyst, the PANAF Kenyan Chapter’s upcoming chat promises to be an enlightening forum for those passionate about leveraging creativity for positive social change. Mark your calendars for July 14 and join the conversation at PANAF’s virtual hub.
Register for the chatroom here
About PANAF (The Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom)
PANAF is a three-year initiative launched in November 2021 by Selam with support from the Swedish Arts Council. This initiative was established in response to the need for an active and inclusive regional voice in the creative sector that could raise awareness of incidents involving violations of artistic freedom and collaborate with advocates for artistic rights at both regional and national levels. The project is being implemented with the support of partner organizations operating in the culture and civil society domains across various countries, including Nigeria, Gambia, Mozambique, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia, with plans for expansion into more countries and regions in the future.
The Chatroom section of the PANAF website is intended to be a safe space for creatives to engage in discussions about artistic rights, good governance, and various socio-political issues without the fear of being profiled.