First Lady calls on Kenyans to nurture Art

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta now wants Creative Arts encouraged and talent nurtured as part of  the school curriculum.

Speaking when she presided over the official opening of the 2rd edition of the Kenya Art Fair, 2015 at the Sarit Centre Thursday evening, the First Lady said nurturing and tapping emerging talent from the Kenyan youth will eventually lead to the growth of a strong creative Arts Industry.

“Creativity should be encouraged within our school curricula and talent nurtured in order for a strong arts industry to grow,” said the First Lady.

She said the Kenyan economy is growing fast and for many people, investment in Art is becoming an asset for the future.

“Nairobi is fast becoming an ‘arts and craft’ hub and would benefit greatly from a strong arts sector”, she added and reminded enthusiastic lovers of Art that it was a million-dollar industry at various international auctions

She underlined the importance of Art as the communication medium through which we preserve our folklore and heritage and pass our traditions to future generations.

“Let us support our artists by buying their products, encouraging and rewarding them for their hard work.”

The Kenya Art Fair is East Africa’s leading Art exhibition focused on contemporary Art from the region.

The Fair, in its second year, provides a platform for a deeper engagement with Art for the public. The inaugural Fair last year attracted 7,000 visitors.

This year’s exhibition incorporates a digital art competition and lectures from professionals and critical theorists in addition to panel discussions about African contemporary Art.

The Art Fair is facilitated by Kuona Trust which is also celebrating 20 years since inception.

The First Lady said she was certain the Kenya Art Fair will continue to build on its position as a key annual event in the international cultural calendar and make Kenya a sought-after destination for great Artworks.

She requested Kuona Trust to consider sponsoring a national Art competition involving all 47 counties to tap emerging talent among the youth.

“This will promote their (youth) self-esteem, their motivation and cultural exposure. It will also promote social harmony and an appreciation of our national diversity,” said the First Lady.