Let’s be honest, being a creative is oftentimes not entirely as fun, gratifying, or any less tedious as it is made out to be. From facing rejection and self-doubt to dealing with financial instability, creatives often have to navigate a complex and nonlinear landscape. Notwithstanding, January unveils a multitude of fellowships, residencies, and grants, presenting Kenyan creatives with indispensable support, essential resources, and acknowledgment for their works. These open calls not only offer relief in the form of financial assistance but also the chance to connect with other like-minded individuals and amass invaluable hands-on experience within your chosen field of expertise. So, if you’re a Kenyan creative looking to take your craft to the next level, don’t miss out on these exciting opportunities available this January.
Makena Onjerika’s Kenyan Speculative Fiction Anthology
Following in the footsteps of her predecessors, Binyavanga Wainaina (2002), Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor (2003) and Okwiri Oduor (2014), Makena Onjerika‘s literary excellence was acknowledged by the Caine Prize for African Writing in 2018 with her body of work titled “Fanta Blackcurrant.” She continues to establish her prominence in the world of African writing as a force to be reckoned with and is presently inviting Kenyan writers to submit their entries to her speculative fiction anthology called Yajayo. The anthology seeks to compile a diverse and captivating collection that reflects the multifaceted nature of Kenyan futures through the lenses of science fiction, fantasy, surrealism, futurism, and magical realism.
The closing date for submissions is January 20th, 2024, with strict adherence to the time cutoff at 11:59 p.m., following Kenyan time. Click here to submit your entry for Makena Onjerika’s speculative fiction anthology.
MAKING Film Program: Some Fine Day Pix
The 3rd edition of the MAKING film initiative affords selected participants from five departments the opportunity for mentorship while actively working on tangible projects in real-world conditions, spanning a 9-month duration. Known for its internationally acclaimed films, including Lusala and Supa Modo, One Fine Day Films aims to foster the growth and development of Kenyan filmmakers, providing them with the necessary tools and support to bring their creative visions to life. These departments are namely scriptwriting, directing, producing, cinematography and editing. Presently, the program is calling for directing, producing and scriptwriting applicants only, with the cinematography and editing cohort to be open for applications as of 5th February 2024.
The deadline for this current call for applicants interested in scriptwriting is January 21st, 2024 while those in directing and producing are due on February 11th, 2024. For those interested in obtaining more specifics, the link below serves as a valuable resource.
Click here for more details about the Making Film Program.
Nafasi Co-Production Fund
Artists are encouraged to participate in the Nafasi Co-production Fund, whose design is to provide support for three groundbreaking innovative works or projects. As a brainchild of Goethe-Institut Nairobi, this fund’s core objective is to back projects that exemplify the power of collaborative efforts in shaping new expressions in visual art, music, dance, theatre, and new media. Artists are granted the freedom to select a suitable and pre-approved location for presenting their final work. The deadline for submitting applications for this project is 31st January 2024. Further insights and particulars are accessible by clicking on the link below:
Nafasi Co-Production Fund[PDF]
Sasa Nairobi Vision Art Fellowship
The Sasa Nairobi Artist Fellowship is a key element within the larger visual art program facilitated by the Goethe-Institut Nairobi. The inaugural two-year fellowship stands as a deliberate effort to provide mid-career artists and curators with the resources and guidance required for their advancement in the professional sphere. The artist’s first year is designed to be particularly concentrated on learning, exploration, and the experimental aspects of their work. Financial support is allocated to artists in the second year, affording them the opportunity to actualize and showcase their individual exhibitions at the Goethe-Institut or its affiliated spaces. Those seeking consideration are required to provide a clear and comprehensive vision for the future of their professional or artistic engagement and explain how they stand to benefit from this opportunity.
The 28th of January 2024 serves as the cutoff date for the submission of applications. The provided link offers in-depth details for those seeking additional information.
Sasa Nairobi Artist Fellowship[PDF]
