KLA ART is a platform to showcase new and emerging ideas by contemporary Ugandan artists. Key to the biennial project is a strong engagement with a Kampala public.

By News Editor 02 Apr 2014

KLA ART 2014

3rd – 31st October 2014

Curatorial Committee (UG);
Violet Nantume, Philip Balimunsi, Robinah Nansubuga, Moses Serubiri, Hasyfa Mukyala
KLA ART 014 Chairperson: Margaret Nagawa (Ugandan Curator, Artist and Educator)
Curatorial Advisor: Gabi Ngcobo (South African Curator)
Project Manager: Laura Ratling (British Creative Producer)
Project Assistant: Irene Mirembe (Ugandan recent graduate)
Project Director: Rocca Gutteridge (Co-Director, 32° East | Ugandan Arts Trust

KLA ART 014 will contain a main festival exhibition curated by five emerging Ugandan voices, led by curatorial advisor, Gabi Ngcobo (South Africa) and showcasing a selected number of artists from the East African region. Artists will be selected from Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Congo and Rwanda in relation to the curatorial theme and in order to bring new voices into Kampala and to expose the festival’s concepts and connections to a critical regional network. A unique event programme, tThe Boda Boda Project, chosen by open-call will run alongside the main festival exhibition and create new opportunities for emerging Ugandan artists to engage in KLA ART 014.

KLA ART 014 Key Objectives

Offer an innovative platform to show Contemporary Ugandan Art;
Bring Ugandan art into a critical local, regional and international network;
Make Contemporary Ugandan art accessible to a wide public audience;
Work with local partners to develop the long-term growth of the Ugandan art scene;
Work with local authorities to promote public art and its benefits in Uganda.

Participation and Social Engagement

In addition to KLA ART 014’s presence in Kampala, the biennial is partnering with the Bayimba Cultural Foundation to bring ‘fringe’ events to regions across Uganda. This will include workshop programmes in Gulu, Jinja, Fort Portal and Mbali, which will centre upon the objectives of opening up and maximising the impact of contemporary art in Uganda, whilst providing opportunities for local artists and individuals to develop their creative abilities, build upon their skills and expand their professional networks.

Local Partners

KLA ART 014’s local and cultural Associate Partners will form the backbone of KLA ART 014’s additional programme of public events, exhibitions, screenings and discussions, with the common objective of engaging new audiences in contemporary Ugandan art. Furthermore, key to the local implementation and appreciation of public art in Uganda is the need to work with local authorities. KLA ART will, therefore, work closely with the KCCA, police and the Boda Boda Union in order to ensure that all aspects of the festival are safe, inclusive and accessible to Kampala’s public.