Art residency set for cultural transformation
DAR ES SALAAM: IN Tanzania’s blossoming art scene, a powerful force is reshaping how artists work, grow and impact their communities: the art residency.
More than just a change of scenery, art residencies give creatives a rare opportunity to step outside their daily routines and immerse themselves in new environments spaces where inspiration, reflection and collaboration come to life.
According to Fred Halla, the founder of Urithi Arts, residencies provide a muchneeded pause that ignites innovation.
“It’s more than just a change of environment and It’s a way to broaden perspectives, learn new techniques and increase the effectiveness of artistic works,” Halla explains.
Halla’s vision for residencies goes beyond artistic growth. Together with Dr Joel Bwemelo and Dismas Leonard, and supported by the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation, he helped launch a programme designed to reconnect Tanzanian communities with their cultural roots through creativity and social engagement.
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Building bridges, not just art
For Dismas Leonard, the Public Relations Coordinator and Consultant for the Emerson Foundation, the value of these programmes extends to professional development.
“Residencies open doors,” says Leonard. “We selected Susan, winner of the Emerson Visual Arts Award, to join a residency at the Apao Cultural and Tourism Village.
She didn’t just produce new work—she connected with fellow artists, exhibited her pieces, and received direct feedback that helped her grow.”
The Emerson Zanzibar Foundation, originally known for its cash awards, has shifted focus in recent years. Instead of one-time prizes, the foundation now invests in residencies providing mentorship, space and sustainable support to help artists build enduring careers.
One such success story is of Susanna Edward, a visual artist from Zanzibar and recipient of the Women in the Arts Award. Her residency, facilitated by Urithi Arts and the Emerson Foundation, took her to Mbutu Kichangani in Kigamboni.
“It’s my first time in such an environment, I have learnt to work independently, take precise measurements and rely on myself without waiting for instruction.
That has really built my confidence.” Susanna shares. She credits the peaceful setting, well-equipped facilities and community engagement with enriching her creative process. Still, she acknowledges the hurdles many Tanzanian artists face—limited access to materials and insufficient exposure to art markets.
Residencies, she believes, can play a critical role in overcoming those barriers by connecting talent with opportunity.
Apao Model: Art with impact
To anchor these opportunities in a sustainable ecosystem, the Apao Cultural and Tourism Village was established in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam. More than just a studio, Apao is a vibrant hub for artistic training, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and tourism.
Founded by Dr Joel Bwemelo of the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), Apao represents a new way of thinking about art and its value in society.
“We want to break the stereotype that art is just entertainment with no economic contribution,” says Dr Bwemelo. “An artist should be paid like any other professional.”
Apao offers an immersive experience for both artists and the public. From sip-andpaint sessions and children’s art workshops to open studio exhibitions and marketplace events, it creates multiple touchpoints where creativity meets commerce and culture meets community.
Movement with momentum Residencies are fast becoming a cornerstone of Tanzania’s cultural renaissance.
They nurture the next generation of artists, provide meaningful ways for institutions to invest in the arts and allow communities to rediscover their identities while generating income through creativity. “Art is not a peripheral thing it is the backbone of society,” says Halla.
“And residency is a way to bring that meaning back to the core of every artist and every village.” In Tanzania, this movement is more than a trend it’s a transformation.
