KQ HUB AFRICA – Media, Arts and Culture Organisation + Studio

KQ is a Media, Art & Culture Organization + Creative studio based in Uganda.

Arts & Culture can serve as a force for social change and civic engagement. Explore our work

Get in touch

Arts & Culture can serve as a force for social change and civic engagement. Explore our Work

Get in touch

KQ is a Media, Art & Culture Organisation + Creative Studio based in Uganda.

Curating Brave safe spaces for East-African creatives

Promoting Youth Civic Engagement Through Participatory Creative Arts and Culture in Uganda

Explore our Research & Insights into the Arts and Culture in East Africa.

EXPLORE INSIGHTS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lC0aZS5LRY

See What We are About

A Glance into Our Five Year Strategic Plan (2023-2027)

We are excited to be launching our five-year strategic plan (2023- 2027). Our next 5 years will see us fostering artistic innovation, expanding our reach in new creative ecosystems, exploring meaningful local and international collaborations, and bridging generations through culture and art.

Join us as we drive positive social impact, nurture a vibrant community, and inspire accountable governance. Together, let’s paint a brighter future for Uganda and East Africa at large through creative expression and collaboration.

Read Our Strategic Plan

Our Partners

Our Instagram

We are excited to be in Paris, France as a delegat

We are excited to be in Paris, France as a delegate from Uganda, representing our organization KQ HUB AFRICA , a media, arts, and culture organization. We are excited to participate in the FOCUS Musique & Innovation - Création Africa program in Paris, France, from March 26 to March 31, 2024.

Partnered with the @babelmusicxp_officiel festival, the @if_officiel is hosting this five-day professional journey, bringing together key professionals from the African music industry to foster collaboration, network building, and promote African artistic scene on an influential platform.

Thanks to the support from the Fonds Équipe France Création of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affair, this program aims to strengthen partnerships between African and French professionals in the cultural and creative industries. In Paris, we'll engage in discussions on music and innovation, explore cutting-edge advancements in AI and virtual reality in the music industry, and connect with fellow professionals during a networking cocktail event. It's an incredible opportunity to showcase Uganda's music scene and build valuable connections on an international stage.

Learn more about the program here: https://lnkd.in/dvk6W3_w

#CréationAfrica #MusiqueInnovation

🌿✨ Thank you to all the incredible designers,

🌿✨ Thank you to all the incredible designers, poets, and our amazing audience who made our Green Stitch - Sustainable Fashion + Poetry event a huge success! 🌟 Your passion for sustainability and creativity truly shines through.

To our talented designers: Thank you for showcasing your commitment to sustainability through your stunning creations. Your dedication to ethical practices and eco-friendly materials sets a powerful example for the fashion industry. This is exactly the direction we aim to push for as an organization, and your participation reinforces our mission to promote sustainability in fashion.

To our partners: Your support has been invaluable in making this event possible. We deeply appreciate your collaboration and belief in our vision for a more sustainable future. Together, we are making strides towards a greener and more conscious fashion industry.

To our wonderful audience: Thank you for joining us and engaging with the powerful fusion of sustainable fashion and poetry. Your enthusiasm and support inspire us to continue our efforts in promoting eco-consciousness and creativity.

Let's continue to stitch together a more sustainable future, one stylish and poetic thread at a time! 🌱💚 #GreenStitch #SustainableFashion #PoetryCommunity

Thank you to all the incredible designers, poets,

Thank you to all the incredible designers, poets, and our amazing audience who made our Green Stitch - Sustainable Fashion + Poetry event a huge success! 🌟 Your passion for sustainability and creativity truly shines through.

To our talented designers: Thank you for showcasing your commitment to sustainability through your stunning creations. Your dedication to ethical practices and eco-friendly materials sets a powerful example for the fashion industry. This is exactly the direction we aim to push for as an organization, and your participation reinforces our mission to promote sustainability in fashion.

To our partners: Your support has been invaluable in making this event possible. We deeply appreciate your collaboration and belief in our vision for a more sustainable future. Together, we are making strides towards a greener and more conscious fashion industry.

To our wonderful audience: Thank you for joining us and engaging with the powerful fusion of sustainable fashion and poetry. Your enthusiasm and support inspire us to continue our efforts in promoting eco-consciousness and creativity.

Let's continue to stitch together a more sustainable future, one stylish and poetic thread at a time! 🌱💚 #GreenStitch #SustainableFashion #PoetryCommunity

🌿✨ Thank you to all the incredible designers,

🌿✨ Thank you to all the incredible designers, poets, and our amazing audience who made our Green Stitch - Sustainable Fashion + Poetry event a huge success! 🌟 Your passion for sustainability and creativity truly shines through.

To our talented designers: Thank you for showcasing your commitment to sustainability through your stunning creations. Your dedication to ethical practices and eco-friendly materials sets a powerful example for the fashion industry. This is exactly the direction we aim to push for as an organization, and your participation reinforces our mission to promote sustainability in fashion.

To our partners: Your support has been invaluable in making this event possible. We deeply appreciate your collaboration and belief in our vision for a more sustainable future. Together, we are making strides towards a greener and more conscious fashion industry.

To our wonderful audience: Thank you for joining us and engaging with the powerful fusion of sustainable fashion and poetry. Your enthusiasm and support inspire us to continue our efforts in promoting eco-consciousness and creativity.

Let's continue to stitch together a more sustainable future, one stylish and poetic thread at a time! 🌱💚 #GreenStitch #SustainableFashion #PoetryCommunity

Thank you to all the incredible designers, poets,

Thank you to all the incredible designers, poets, and our amazing audience who made our Green Stitch - Sustainable Fashion + Poetry event a huge success! 🌟 Your passion for sustainability and creativity truly shines through.

To our talented designers: Thank you for showcasing your commitment to sustainability through your stunning creations. Your dedication to ethical practices and eco-friendly materials sets a powerful example for the fashion industry. This is exactly the direction we aim to push for as an organization, and your participation reinforces our mission to promote sustainability in fashion.

To our partners: Your support has been invaluable in making this event possible. We deeply appreciate your collaboration and belief in our vision for a more sustainable future. Together, we are making strides towards a greener and more conscious fashion industry.

To our wonderful audience: Thank you for joining us and engaging with the powerful fusion of sustainable fashion and poetry. Your enthusiasm and support inspire us to continue our efforts in promoting eco-consciousness and creativity.

Let's continue to stitch together a more sustainable future, one stylish and poetic thread at a time! 🌱💚 #GreenStitch #SustainableFashion #PoetryCommunity

Tonight, we embark on a journey at the intersectio

Tonight, we embark on a journey at the intersection of fashion, poetry, and sustainability, with esteemed partners such as @cdeatz and @sanaabiz, and with the invaluable support of the @ignite_cultureea Fund.

Our Green Stitch Pop-Up Fashion Event is a celebration of sustainable fashion emerging from East Africa, intertwining the artistry of clothing design with the eloquence of poetry. It's a testament to the beauty that arises when creativity, environmental consciousness, and culture converge, offering a platform to showcase innovative designs while championing sustainability and artistic expression.

Admission is FREE

Excited to introduce our lineup of talented all-fe

Excited to introduce our lineup of talented all-female poets who will be serenading us with their inspiring words during our sustainable Fashion Pop Up + poetry event this Saturday at @sankarapanafricanlibrary ! Get ready to be moved and inspired by their powerful voices as we celebrate creativity, sustainability, and empowerment. Stay tuned for a poetic journey like no other.

1/3: Hawa Kimbugwe ( @hawa.n.kimbugwe)

2/3: Laker (@laker.p_poet) Laker
Award winning poet and spoken word performer. I speak in melanin and words of Divine feminine.

3/3: Loreta Kansiime - Kansiime Loretta is a Ugandan Kampala based Spoken word poet and a Pharmacy student. She has been shortlisted for the Ibua journal continental poetry competition. Her professional poetry journey begun in 2019 and has performed on all major poetry platforms in and outside Kampala. Her poetry addresses societal issues like sexual violence and climate change. She believes in the revolutionary power of art to create an impact in society.

The fashion world has a significant environmental

The fashion world has a significant environmental footprint, contributing up to 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions and generating one-fifth of the 300 million tonnes of plastic produced annually worldwide.

Landfill sites are overflowing with unsustainable fabrics and garments from fast-fashion brands, it’s time for change and the momentum is building.

Join us for "Green Stitch" event as we bring together innovative brands, industry experts, consumers and those actively making strides to reduce the carbon footprint of the fashion industry.

A collaboration with @sanaabiz Marketplace, Culture and Development East Africa ( @cdeatz ), celebrating sustainable fashion and poetry!

At KQ Hub Africa, we're thrilled to partner with Culture and Development East Africa (@cdeatz ) and @sanaabiz for this unique event, showcasing the fusion of eco-conscious style and artistic expression.

Showcasing Sustainable Fashion: Discover innovative designs and eco-friendly practices from talented designers across Africa.

Poetry Performances: Be inspired by captivating poetry performances that echo the spirit of sustainability and creativity.

Join us for an evening of style, innovation, and inspiration!

📅 Date: Saturday 23rd March, 2024
🕕 Time: 2pm - 8pm
📍 Location: Sankara Pan African Library, Bugolobi
🎟️ Admission: Free!

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of sustainable fashion and poetry. See you there!

As a media, arts and culture organization + creati

As a media, arts and culture organization + creative studio based in the heart of Uganda, East Africa, we recognize the incredible impact that women in the arts, culture and creative industries have in shaping the narrative of our diverse continent.

Amidst the vibrancy of our creative endeavors, we also acknowledge the barriers that women face – from unequal representation to limited access to resources and opportunities. Yet, in the face of adversity, their spirit remains unyielding, their passion unwavering.

From visual artists, perfomance artists to storytellers, creators to innovators, African women in the CCI contribute immensely to our vibrant cultural landscape. Their voices and energy resonate through the art we produce, the music we listen to, the crafts we collect and the development we experience and as an organisation we're dedicated to amplifying those voices.

We commit this month, this year and all the years to come to dismantling these barriers and fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive. Through our programs, we pledge to provide equitable access to resources, mentorship, and platforms for expression. We believe in fostering an environment where their talents can shine, inspiring the next generation of trailblazers.

Join us in celebrating the brilliance, resilience, and creativity of African women throughout International Women's Month and beyond. Together, let's continue to empower, uplift, and showcase her artistic brilliance that defines our rich cultural heritage.

#WomensMonth #AfricanArtistry #EmpowerHerArtistry

🎉 Exciting News from KQ Hub Africa! 🌍 We're

🎉 Exciting News from KQ Hub Africa! 🌍 We're thrilled to announce that we've secured a spot in the first phase shortlist of the @afrique.creative Creative Afriquè 2024 program! 🚀 Out of 30 cultural and creative organizations, we are one of the 3 selected from Uganda. 🇺🇬

🌟 During this pre-incubation program, we'll be refining our skills in arts management, marketing, and business plans. Moreover, we'll have the opportunity to pitch our transformative media and art project, set to make a significant impact in the Karamoja region.

💡 Our project aims to not only showcase the rich cultural heritage but also create sustainable change through arts. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to innovation, community development, and cultural preservation.

🙏 A heartfelt thank you to the consortium managing the Creative Afriquè program (@africalia.belgium @bayimba_ug @motivug @afd_france among others) for recognizing the potential of our project. We're honored to be part of this journey and look forward to making a lasting impact with this support. #KQHubAfrica #CreativeAfriquè #CulturalInnovation

🎉 Happy New Year from KQ Hub Africa! As we step

🎉 Happy New Year from KQ Hub Africa! As we step into 2024, re-open our creative studios, we hope to renew our commitment to fostering artistic development and celebrating the rich tapestry of media, arts, and culture in Uganda and East Africa at large.

Here's to a year filled with creativity, innovation, and impactful collaborations. ( Pictures all taken at the KQ Hub Africa events and project activations in 2023).

🌍 Join the global movement! Artists and cultura

🌍 Join the global movement! Artists and cultural voices worldwide are urging #COP28 negotiators to prioritize cultural heritage, arts, and creative industries in climate action. 🌿

✨Add your voice to keep the momentum alive #ArtsForClimate" >> //www.climateheritage.org/jwd

Read our Voices: Art 4 Civic Change Blog. In this

Read our Voices: Art 4 Civic Change Blog. In this article, columnist @opolotakwang explores the role of Ugandan artists in shaping political discourse and promoting participatory democracy.

"In Uganda, as in many challenging democracies, artists often navigate constraints on freedom of expression. Their work challenges authority, highlights the struggles of marginalized groups, and calls for accountability".

Read more: https://bit.ly/3SFUzZ4

Our Voices: Art 4 Civic Change Uganda Blog is an i

Our Voices: Art 4 Civic Change Uganda Blog is an inspiring digital platform that serves as a powerful medium for the exploration of the intersection between art, civic engagement and social justice.

The blog showcases a diverse array of voices, ideas, opinions and artistic perspectives. From visual art to spoken word poetry, to performance arts the platform celebrates the transformative potential of artistic expression in driving social justice impact. It serves as a dynamic space where artists, activists, and community members come together to share their stories, amplify marginalized voices, and foster dialogue on critical social issues through an arts based lens.

Through its rich tapestry of contributions, Voices not only illuminates the vibrant art ecosystem of Uganda but also serves as a catalyst for dialogue, reflection, and, ultimately, civic engagement."

HIGHLIGHTS: Brushes 4 Justice: Workshop, Paint & S

HIGHLIGHTS: Brushes 4 Justice: Workshop, Paint & Sip Experience

Watch as Benjamin Mbula ( @ben_art5 ) a Congolese native but Ugandan based Visual artist --one of the participants shares about the experience and what he learnt.

We were excited to invite 20 young and emerging artists to join us to a special event “Brushes for Justice Workshop and Paint and Sip experience”

This was a unique gathering that aimed to bring together young and emerging artists and activists to explore their vital role as civic leaders who can utilize their art to advocate and champion for democracy, human rights, and justice in their local communities through their art.

This exceptional event was a collaborative effort between @kqhubafrica and @kiggunduartstudio Art Studio, @art_class_kla with other support from the British Council ( @eastafricaarts ) all organizations deeply committed to fostering positive change through creative expression and activism.

This workshop was premised on the belief that artists have the incredible power to shape society and inspire meaningful conversations, and that is exactly what this event sought to interrogate.

Highlights of the Event:
• Engaging Workshops: We dived into thought-provoking discussions about the role of artists and activists in shaping democracy, human rights, and justice.
• Creative Exploration: We enjoyed a hands-on painting workshop where we provoked artists to channel their creativity towards expressing their perspectives on these crucial issues on canvas.
• Paint and Sip Experience: Artists were able to unleash their inner artist while sipping on delightful beverages and enjoyed delectable food.
• Networking Opportunities: we provided a space for a fellowship of artists, activists, and like-minded individuals who shared their passion for positive change.

#art4civicchangeuganda #art4civicchange #art4civicengagementuganda #Art4civicEngagement

HIGHLIGHTS: Brushes 4 Justice: Workshop, Paint & S

HIGHLIGHTS: Brushes 4 Justice: Workshop, Paint & Sip Experience

Watch as @sophie_amayo one of the participants shares about her experience and what she learnt.

We were excited to invite 20 young and emerging artists to join us to a special event “Brushes for Justice Workshop and Paint and Sip experience”

This was a unique gathering that aimed to bring together young and emerging artists and activists to explore their vital role as civic leaders who can utilize their art to advocate and champion for democracy, human rights, and justice in their local communities through their art.

This exceptional event was a collaborative effort between @kqhubafrica and @kiggunduartstudio Art Studio, @art_class_kla with other support from the British Council ( @eastafricaarts ) all organizations deeply committed to fostering positive change through creative expression and activism.

This workshop was premised on the belief that artists have the incredible power to shape society and inspire meaningful conversations, and that is exactly what this event sought to interrogate.

Highlights of the Event:
• Engaging Workshops: We dived into thought-provoking discussions about the role of artists and activists in shaping democracy, human rights, and justice.
• Creative Exploration: We enjoyed a hands-on painting workshop where we provoked artists to channel their creativity towards expressing their perspectives on these crucial issues on canvas.
• Paint and Sip Experience: Artists were able to unleash their inner artist while sipping on delightful beverages and enjoyed delectable food.
• Networking Opportunities: we provided a space for a fellowship of artists, activists, and like-minded individuals who shared their passion for positive change.

#art4civicchangeuganda #art4civicchange #art4civicengagementuganda #Art4civicEngagement
1d

HIGHLIGHTS: Brushes 4 Justice: Workshop, Paint & S

HIGHLIGHTS: Brushes 4 Justice: Workshop, Paint & Sip Experience

Watch as @rawdneyk Team lead @kiggunduartstudio and partner explores the role of visual arts in instigating social justice in Uganda.

We were excited to invite 20 young and emerging artists to join us to a special event “Brushes for Justice Workshop and Paint and Sip experience”

This was a unique gathering that aimed to bring together young and emerging artists and activists to explore their vital role as civic leaders who can utilize their art to advocate and champion for democracy, human rights, and justice in their local communities through their art.

This exceptional event was a collaborative effort between @kqhubafrica and @kiggunduartstudio Art Studio, @art_class_kla with other support from the British Council ( @eastafricaarts ) all organizations deeply committed to fostering positive change through creative expression and activism.

This workshop was premised on the belief that artists have the incredible power to shape society and inspire meaningful conversations, and that is exactly what this event sought to interrogate.

Highlights of the Event:
• Engaging Workshops: We dived into thought-provoking discussions about the role of artists and activists in shaping democracy, human rights, and justice.
• Creative Exploration: We enjoyed a hands-on painting workshop where we provoked artists to channel their creativity towards expressing their perspectives on these crucial issues on canvas.
• Paint and Sip Experience: Artists were able to unleash their inner artist while sipping on delightful beverages and enjoyed delectable food.
• Networking Opportunities: we provided a space for a fellowship of artists, activists, and like-minded individuals who shared their passion for positive change.

#art4civicchangeuganda #art4civicchange #art4civicengagementuganda #Art4civicEngagement

HIGHLIGHTS: Brushes 4 Justice: Workshop, Paint & S

HIGHLIGHTS: Brushes 4 Justice: Workshop, Paint & Sip Experience

Watch as our Creative Director @wabwirewa explores the role of visual arts in instigating civic engagement in Uganda.

We were excited to invite 20 young and emerging artists to join us to a special event “Brushes for Justice Workshop and Paint and Sip experience”

This was a unique gathering that aimed to bring together young and emerging artists and activists to explore their vital role as civic leaders who can utilize their art to advocate and champion for democracy, human rights, and justice in their local communities through their art.

This exceptional event was a collaborative effort between @kqhubafrica and @kiggunduartstudio Art Studio, @art_class_kla with other support from the British Council ( @eastafricaarts ) all organizations deeply committed to fostering positive change through creative expression and activism.

This workshop was premised on the belief that artists have the incredible power to shape society and inspire meaningful conversations, and that is exactly what this event sought to interrogate.

Highlights of the Event:
• Engaging Workshops: We dived into thought-provoking discussions about the role of artists and activists in shaping democracy, human rights, and justice.
• Creative Exploration: We enjoyed a hands-on painting workshop where we provoked artists to channel their creativity towards expressing their perspectives on these crucial issues on canvas.
• Paint and Sip Experience: Artists were able to unleash their inner artist while sipping on delightful beverages and enjoyed delectable food.
• Networking Opportunities: we provided a space for a fellowship of artists, activists, and like-minded individuals who shared their passion for positive change.

#art4civicchangeuganda #art4civicchange #art4civicengagementuganda #Art4civicEngagement

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023. OPEN CA

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023.

OPEN CALL: Artivism in Protest: Democracy & Human Rights Art Contest and Exhibition 2023.

Are you a Ugandan based Visual Artists/ painter, short film maker, Photographer, Cartoonist, Poet, or graphics designer?

This is your chance.

Concept:
Art is a powerful tool for promoting democracy and human rights in closed societies, provoking constructive dialogue and creating space for debate beyond mainstream bodies of political discourse. Authoritarian governments around the world recognize the power of art as a conduit of change, and systematically persecute, repress, or censor artists to silence political dissent.

We are pleased to announce the "Artivism in Protest" art contest and exhibition in Uganda, celebrating democracy and human rights. We invite artists from all backgrounds to submit their creative works for a chance to be featured in our exhibition.

This art contest seeks to open up space for artists to explore their creative imaginations and spark meaningful dialogue on human rights and democracy in Uganda led by art-ivists!

We are using this opportunity to call upon Ugandan art-ivists including:

Visual artists / painters, Cartoonist,

graphic designers,

photographers

short filmmakers

Poets

We encourage artists to explore themes of democracy, human rights, activism, and protest in their submissions for a chance to enter a 1,000,000 UGX prize contest with the runner ups getting 250,000 UGX each. We believe in recognizing and supporting artists for their valuable contributions to society.

By participating in this exhibition, artists will have the opportunity to engage with a wider audience and contribute to the conversation around democratic values and human rights in Uganda. Your art has the potential to inspire change and motivate others to stand up for justice.

The contest will culminate into an open public exhibition and artist talk where we will invite the selected artists to share their ideas for a just democratic future with artists at the front-line at a public cocktail event.

#Art4CivicChange
#Arts4CivicEngagementUganda
#CivicArtExhibition
#Artivism
#OpenCall

HIGHLIGHTS: Brushes 4 Justice: Workshop, Paint & S

HIGHLIGHTS: Brushes 4 Justice: Workshop, Paint & Sip Experience

We were excited to invite 20 young and emerging artists to join us to a special event “Brushes for Justice Workshop and Paint and Sip experience”

This was a unique gathering that aimed to bring together young and emerging artists and activists to explore their vital role as civic leaders who can utilize their art to advocate and champion for democracy, human rights, and justice in their local communities through their art.

This exceptional event was a collaborative effort between @kqhubafrica and @kiggunduartstudio Art Studio, @art_class_kla with other support from the British Council ( @eastafricaarts ) all organizations deeply committed to fostering positive change through creative expression and activism.

This workshop was premised on the belief that artists have the incredible power to shape society and inspire meaningful conversations, and that is exactly what this event sought to interrogate.

Highlights of the Event:
• Engaging Workshops: We dived into thought-provoking discussions about the role of artists and activists in shaping democracy, human rights, and justice.
• Creative Exploration: We enjoyed a hands-on painting workshop where we provoked artists to channel their creativity towards expressing their perspectives on these crucial issues on canvas.
• Paint and Sip Experience: Artists were able to unleash their inner artist while sipping on delightful beverages and enjoyed delectable food.
• Networking Opportunities: we provided a space for a fellowship of artists, activists, and like-minded individuals who shared their passion for positive change.

#art4civicchangeuganda #art4civicchange #art4civicengagementuganda #Art4civicEngagement

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