THE GODOWN ARTS CENTRE

The GoDown is a group of workshops open to all, where young Kenyan artists display their creativity through painting, design, sculpture, music, dance, theatre... It is in all its artistic variety and diversity that lies the strength of this Kenyan non-profit cultural organisation, which was created progressively in the 1990s, until it was officially established in 2003. An interesting place to discover many talents, a place of exchanges and meetings, where all artistic fibres are free to express themselves. Since 2019, the center is in the middle of a transformation phase. The project, in its more contemporary version, can be seen here: godowntransforms.org. The art complex is located in the industrial area of Nairobi, in a 10,000 sqm warehouse, formerly dedicated to car repair, with studios, rehearsal and performance spaces, painters' workshops. The centre aims to contribute to the growth, recognition and visibility of local artists by promoting and facilitating collaborations and encounters between artists of different disciplines and from different parts of the world. The new GoDown Arts Centre is to cover an area of 30,000 square metres. The modern structure, designed by the Stockholm, Sweden-based architectural firm, White Arkitekter, is to include three floors of art galleries, a 300-seat multi-purpose auditorium, a digital resource centre, a children's creative studio and 20 music and film studios. This ambitious project was to be completed by 2021. However, the 20 million US dollars needed for its construction have not yet been raised in full. The GoDown board of directors has contributed $2 million to the project, while crowdfunding programs have been set up, but the goal is still far from being reached. GoDown is therefore also targeting companies and the government for financial support. Let's hear it! If the project goes ahead, it will be the first major public complex dedicated to the visual and performing arts to be built since Kenya's independence in 1963. The first of its kind in East Africa, this centre could boost the cultural sector by providing a platform for hosting, exhibiting, producing, with greater visibility, locally and internationally, while allowing the development of a plural and independent artistic production.