StartJournal - Contemporary Art on the African Continent

10/07/2023

Monthly Issue of Start Journal -

Exhibition View: When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration In Painting, Zeitz Mocaa, Cape Town (20th November 2022-3rd September 2023) Courtesy of Zeitz Mocaa. Photo: Dillon Marsh

10/06/2023

Monthly Issue of Start Journal -

Henry Mujunga aka Mzili is a legend in the local art scene of Kampala. Having attended Makerere Art School from 1993 to 1995, some of the great modernists[1] of Uganda’s post-independence period have been his teachers or his teachers’ mentors.

10/03/2023

Monthly Issue of Start Journal -

Kaleab Abate’s print works usher us into a complicated space of existence between comfort and distress. The Ethiopian artist who is based in Addis Ababa had his first open studio session in October 2021, after attending a three-month long artist residency in Kampala, Uganda.

25/11/2021

Kla Art is finally back this year. The bi-annual art festival, which was supposed to take place in August 2020, was postponed to this year and who is not happy to finally see art in the public within this dusty city?
Artist and art writer Matt Kayem visited most of the installations around town and gives you his view on each of them. MATT KAYEM

Kla Art is finally back this year. The bi-annual art festival, which was supposed to take place in August 2020, was postponed to this year and who is not happy to finally see art in the public with…

09/11/2021

https://startjournal.org/2021/11/juliet-kasiita-women-need-to-fight-the-self-pity-syndrome/

In the Design Hustle series Patricia Opio talks to female creatives and their business, challenges and lessons learned while on their entrepreneurship journey. Who is Juliet Kasiita and what is Win…

25/10/2021

New podcast alert! What does it take to excell in graphic and industrial design? Moreover, how do you manage a design company. Listen in!

In this Design Hussle episode, I talk to Rachael Kangumba, a creative extraordinaire who is using her creativity to mentor youth. She is also one of the founders of Leaves Arts and Animations, a cr…

28/09/2021

"As a poetry writer you sometimes have to isolate yourself or work at night to feel your emotion and let the words come in" Michelle Ivy Alwedo

In this Design Hustle podcast episode, I talk to Michelle Ivy, an author and poet. She tells us how she navigates the creative industry in Uganda. She is currently publishing e-chapbooks with cradl…

22/09/2021

New podcast episode: Keren Okuvuru from The Brand Factory Uganda talks about her passion and challenges of working with creatives. Listen in!

In this podcast, you will get to hear about the passion of Keren Okuruvu, a marketer who wants to take creatives to the next level. She is the founder and managing director of Brand Factory, a comm…

16/09/2021

APPLY NOW!!!
# Application deadline: October 29th 2021 #
APPLY NOW!!!

Initiated by he Dutch-Belgian art collective TAAT, the Transdisciplinary Regenerative Encounter Residency Uganda (TRERU) focusses on regenerative, creative development and artistic commoning. Three artist/designers from the fields of theatre/performance, contemporary art and architecture/design are invited to stay and work for one month at our location in Ntinda, Kampala.

Supported by
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Goethe Zentrum Kampala, Design Hub Kampala, Motiv, aKAZ!ATL and SJ Magazine

Initiated by he Dutch-Belgian art collective TAAT, the Transdisciplinary Regenerative Encounter Residency Uganda (TRERU) focusses on regenerative, creative development and artistic commoning. Three…

15/09/2021

There's only one week left to enter a career-changing art competition. Are you an artist under the age of 35 and not represented by a commercial gallery? You could be the next Cassirer Welz Award winner.

This award recognises excellence in emerging artists specialising in sculpture, drawing, and/or painting, who will benefit from a period of intense studio time and support to develop new work for a solo exhibition.

After celebrating ten exciting and successful years with a 10 year retrospective to boot, the Cassirer Welz Award is now open to artists based in any of the following countries where the Bag Factory has an existing network of partner and friend organisations: Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia.

So don’t hesitate, apply now! follow link below. http://www.bagfactoryart.org.za/call-for-enteries-2021-cassirer-welz-award/

07/09/2021

"Another thing is the fact that I’m a woman. I have noticed that I’ll be offered way less than my male counterparts for a similar gig but I’ve learned not to sweat it. It doesn’t bother me anymore because that is a strong indicator that I shouldn’t be doing that job." - Diana Ringtho - content creator & video producer

Read about her story and more in our Design Hustle series on Startjournal

We are in a time of a content revolution where content is king. With the emergence of content platforms like Netflix, Amazon and YouTube, creatives now find it much easier to get their work out to …

01/09/2021

Personally I am a fan, so I was excited to find out our upcoming story in the Design Hustle series was an interview with Uncle Mo, the mechanic that became a Youtube sensation during the Covid lockdown.
https://startjournal.org/2021/08/comedian-uncle-mo-shares-his-toolbox-for-success/

22/08/2021

"People want to support artists that entertain, rather than those who address issues that affect society" - Julius Sese

In this Design Hustle, we get to talk to Julius Sese, a musician extraordinaire. If you have never heard of him, now you have the chance to get to know all about him and his inspiration for his new…

27/06/2021

A Design Hustle story for you to feel inspired during this new lockdown Design Hub Kampala

For this edition of Design Hustle, Patricia Opio talks to Rachel Bronson, Founder of Makeup by Rae. She talks about her career and successes.

25/05/2021

Free workshop alert! Discover your potential and learn some entrepreneurial skills through art

FREE Workshop by James Wanyira Principles of art can further entrepreneurship in societal, economic and educational contexts, so that entrepreneurs may thrive in a world full of complexity and flux…

24/05/2021

Are you a creative entrepreneur? Don't miss this opportunity to get free legal advise regarding your business, intellectual property rights, innovation, registration and much more. One on one sessions with corporate business lawyers from advocates.
Tomorrow and Wednesday at Design Hub

https://startjournal.org/event/the-legal-tool-box-free-legal-clinic-for-creatives/

Many startups make the mistake of forming a company without seeking the advice of an legal advisor. For example, if you come up with a great idea, are working on a new technology platform, or decid…

17/05/2021

AfroShinda is more than just an online store. Its purpose is to change the African narrative by empowering positive community transformation. The goal is to create an Africa that is self sustaining and self built. With a dedication to authenticity, dependability and the individuality Michelle hopes to do just that.

Listen to a new podcast in the 'Design Hustle' series. Patricia Opio talks to Michelle Masanza of creative brand AfroShinda

In this eight podcast episode, Design Hustle host Patricia Opio talks to Michelle Masanza, the 19 year old founder of AfroShinda and ‘Third World Girl’. AfroShinda is a Ugandan based on…

17/05/2021

Nabuguzu loves conversations and was once told she had a beautiful voice. She ventured into podcasting leading to the development of Hash Time with Nabuguzi Kiwanuka. In this 5th podcast episode of the Design Hustle she talks of her own struggles in dealing with imposter syndrome as she navigates building her businesses..

Nabuguzi loves conversations and was once told she had a beautiful voice. She ventured into podcasting leading to the development of Hashtime with Nabuguzi Kiwanuka. In this podcast she talks of he…

12/04/2021

Our first Podcast is online! In the Design Hustle Series we highlight stories of creatives and entrepreneurs in Uganda and how they have navigated building their brands in challenging times.
In this first episode we talk to Patricia Kahill of Kahill Insights.

In this first podcast episode of the Design Hustle Podcast, host Patricia Opio talks to Patricia Kahill, founder of Kahill Insights. Patrica describes herself as a multi-potentialite, entrepreneur,…

09/04/2021

"I went through a period where my mental health was compromised. I sought medical help and as I researched more about anxiety, I found out that the brain is a problem-solving tool. Many psychologists recommended playing chess to engage the mind. This causes the brain will produce endorphins which positively affect our mental health. I decided to purchase a jigsaw puzzle. There was only one place I could find one and that was at the local bookstore in Kampala, Aristoc. What I found was a puzzle of Italy. I decided to find out if there were puzzles of African countries. The only puzzle available was of Cape Town and the pyramids of Egypt. This inspired me to create Utalii, a company that creates jigsaw puzzles that showcase the tourist destinations and beauty of Africa." - Emily Banya, creative entrepreneur Hub Kampala Mastercard Foundation

By Patricia Opio For this third edition of the Design Hustle I talk to Emily Banya, who besides her job at American Chamber of Commerce based at Design Hub, also runs a creative company of her own.…

03/04/2021

Design Hub Kampala has launched an initiative, Design Hustle in partnership with Mastercard Foundation and The Innovation Village with the aim to put the spotlight on creative entrepreneurs and their journey into entrepreneurship.

Our first feature is Keziah Ayikoru Tuhirwe, the CEO and founder of House of Kea, a fashion, spaces and stories brand based in Kampala that hopes to turn the creative industry on its head.

Our first feature in the Design Hustle series is Keziah Ayikoru Tuhirwe, the CEO and founder of House of Kea, a fashion, spaces and stories brand based in Kampala that hopes to turn the creative in…

14/03/2021

We are excited to launch our open call for the first Prince Claus Seed Awards! Building on 25 years of experience, we will annually recognize 100 emerging artists and cultural practitioners within the first five years of their careers, allowing them to develop their practice on their own terms.

If you are an emerging artist whose innovative work addresses pressing social or political issues, then this is an opportunity for you! The deadline is the 11th of May. Learn more on how to apply here: https://princeclausfund.org/open-call-seed-awards

11/03/2021

Design Hub Kampala is a community of diverse startups and established companies and keen to provide a platform for creative entrepreneurs to thrive. Following the COVID 19 pandemic, the creative industry, just like other sectors, has had to implement new innovative strategies for businesses to remain afloat. DHK will be running a 12-month business recovery program to support creative companies in their on-going journey to remain resilient even amidst a crisis. For this, DHK partnered with several content developers brand developers and publishing platforms like Start Journal.

The ”DESIGN HUSTLE” is a new Design Hub Kampala initiative under its Business Resilience Programme, in collaboration with The Innovation Village and with support from Master Card Founda…

22/01/2021

Cool trailer in anticipation of the KAB20 Experience coming soon!

28/10/2020

22/10/2020

Call closes tomorrow!

11/09/2020

27/08/2020

KAB20 goes virtual!

12/08/2020

Conversation about art journalism. Tune in!

13/07/2020

We are excited to announce our second CALL FOR ARTISTS for the Silhouette Projects RESIDENCY PROGRAM at Afriart Gallery Kampala!

Silhouette Project Artist Residency Programme - (SP-AIR) offers artists the opportunity to simply have space and time to focus on their work. The residency focuses on the long term impact on the careers of visiting artists. SP-AIR provides the opportunity for artists to create new work, network with people they might not otherwise meet, and ultimately grow as an artist.

SP-AIR #2 – Theme: ABSTRACTION
Residence duration: 1st September 2020 - 30th November 2020 (3 months)

The second SP-AIR call invites artists with an approach of visual abstraction. We are calling for artists who do not attempt a depiction of the visible world, but instead, make use of their material(s) of choice to conceptually evolve their ideas into artworks.

How to Apply:
Send your application by 31st July 2020 to email [email protected] including the following:
1. One-page motivation letter
2. Artist statement
3. 5-10 representative images of current artworks preferably of the style the artist intends to explore during the residency. The images must be captioned Artist, Title, Year, medium, size.

Selection and eligibility:
- Quality of the motivation letter, the artist statement and the representative images of works.
- Commitment to being present for 3 months of the program.
- Ability to show a conceptual and experimental approach.
- Ability to engage discursively and speculatively with SP-AIR’s environment and Kampala’s wider artistic and cultural context.

Due to the COVID19-related travel restrictions, this call is only open to East Africans currently residing in Uganda.

10/07/2020

Trevor Mukholi interviews Matt Kayem about his latest show Notes About The Times and his reflection on the covid-19 pandemic

Covid-19 all caught us all by surprise. Ugandan contemporary artist Matt Kayem had just arrived in Lusaka, Zambia for his art is residency at Modzi Arts when borders closed and there was no return …

15/05/2020

[CREATIVITY IS LIFE]

✍️APPLY ➡️ https://cutt.ly/7ymsn5D

⏰Deadline: June 2

04/02/2020

'Professor Sidney Littlefield Kasfir was an art historian born in York, Maine, USA in 1939 and breathed her last on the 29th of December 2019 in Maralal, Samburu County, Kenya. We, in Uganda, artists, art historians, and curators mourn the passing of a friend, mentor and educator who championed art with her generous spirit, deep and far-reaching knowledge, love of people, and joyous disposition.'

'Sidney co-edited Start Journal of Arts and Culture in East Africa where she was always available to edit short or lengthy submissions, offering feedback in her unwavering belief in improvement.'

'We must all push on, but it will be a while before we fill the emptiness that Sidney’s death has left. May her soul rest in peace.'

Margaret Nagawa and Serubiri Moses remember Prof Sidney Kasfir.

Professor Sidney Littlefield Kasfir was an art historian born in York, Maine, USA in 1939 and breathed her last on the 29th of December 2019 in Maralal, Samburu County, Kenya. We, in Uganda, artist…

22/01/2020

OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS TO EXHIBIT IN 2020.

Xenson Art space is looking for 3 emerging and established artists to each have the opportunity of a solo show at xenson art space.

Each show will take place for one month.

Send your works and personal details to [email protected].
The selected artists will be contacted.

22/01/2020

Ongoing conversation on Museums & Architecture conservation at the Uganda National Museum as part of the "Keeping It Modern Initiative 2019" project supported by the Getty Foundation that will see the museum undergo a series of changes over the years.

20/01/2020

Lack of funding and the ‘strings attached’ to donor funding scenarios continue to be-devil many creative projects by artists in the local communities. It is one thing to have a brilliant idea on paper and another altogether to be able to execute it as a result of the financial constraints or because of creativity being compromised by the many donor requirements. Dominic Muwanguzi attends an info session of Kuonyesha Arts Fund, that promises financial empowerment in the sector.

Lack of funding and the ‘strings attached’ to donor funding scenarios continue to be-devil many creative projects by artists in the local communities. It is one thing to have a brillian…

20/01/2020

07/01/2020

The year 2020 has started on a very sad note with the passing of our beloved member of the Startjournal editorial team, professor Sidney Kasifir. Sidney was professor Emerita of African Art History at Emory University in Atlanta. She wrote or edited five books, and was a visiting Fulbright professor at Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts, Makerere University in 2012 and at the Dept of Fine Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2016. As editor for Startjournal she was known to request a high academic standard for articles reviewed by her with a keen eye for correct referencing and crediting of sources. We will miss her editorial input and knowledge of the arts sincerely. Our thoughts are with her family and friends, may she rest in peace.

ACASA is extremely sad to pass on the news that Sidney Littlefield Kasfir, the renowned art historian and recipient of an ACASA Leadership Award in 2017, passed away in Kenya on 29 December 2019.

A recent decline in health was precipitated by complications from a fall and fractured hip in September; the final health shock that took her was a bout of malaria. A memorial in Atlanta will be announced when preparations have been made.