KQ HUB AFRICA – For Creatives, by Creatives

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

Curating Brave safe spaces for East-African creatives

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

EXPLORE INSIGHTS

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

EXPLORE INSIGHTS

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Today we are starting the recording of our #CivicA

Today we are starting the recording of our #CivicArtTalksPodcast. A dialogue with some of the most influential youth leaders in the civil society and creative industries in Uganda brought in partnership with the @gsckampalahub @mediachallengeug & @Ugandanationalyouthcouncil

Episode one is titled: ‘Amplifying youth voices:Notes on storytelling and agenda setting’ and panelists will explore in detail how young people can organize to push foward for civic change.

The podcast will be hosted by @nabuguzi_kiwanuka with panelists including @viviankabasinga (NYC Uganda), @rebeccakarangwa (Global Shapers Hub Kampala), Ruth Kitamirike (Lawyer and Youth Leader) and Edwin Danze ( CMO at Next Media).

The necessity of political engagement in Uganda has been underscored in every aspect of our lives. Many youth continue to shun political engagement/spaces because of the generally agreed view that civic spaces are shrinking at an alarming rate in the country.

In this episode we will ask the question: Can the arts offer the youth a new voice and alternative avenue for civic engagement in Uganda? What are some of the new approaches for storytelling and the missing link for articulating?

Stay tuned to listen in. #Art4CivicChange #art4civicengagementUganda #Media4CivicChange

In Kasese District, the Rwenzori sub-region we col

In Kasese District, the Rwenzori sub-region we collaborated with @CreationsForum Africa to bring our #CivicArtTalks and showcasings last Friday.

More than ever youth in Kasese are demanding for social inclusion and participation in governance and democracy of their country and district local institutions. They believe their voices matter and are intentional about pushing for these structural changes in more ways including using participatory arts and creativity to advocate for change. We had interactive workshops, a theatre performance and conversation on the role of the artist as a public good.

Indeed, Art has considerable potential in enhancing civic competences among people to be able to embrace their roles and responsibilities, demand for better service delivery while holding their leaders to account. Defying all linguistic boundaries, art is considered a universal language and therefore an ideal resource for passing on information and understand the perspectives of others while at the same time entertaining.

Through this forum young people were challenged to reflect on the current Rwenzori and share their narratives and design the kind of society they want to live in. This was done through; painting, songs, drama, poetry and essay writing among others. These narratives were compiled into both written and audio visual collections for future reference. These collections will be used as advocacy tools to foster peace, good governance, responsible citizenship and peaceful co-existence. #Art4CivicChange #Art4CivicEngagement

Next up is Kasese District in the Rwenzori sun-reg

Next up is Kasese District in the Rwenzori sun-region. We are excited to be collaborating with Creationz Forum Africa to bring our #CivicArtTalks and showcasings this Friday.

Art is a powerful tool for advocacy and for making people appreciate and uphold human rights and values of democratic governance. It bridges language, geographical, cultural and traditional barriers.

Art has considerable potential in enhancing civic competence among people to be able to embrace their roles and responsibilities, demand for better service delivery while holding their leaders to account. Defying all linguistic boundaries, art is considered a universal language and therefore an ideal resource for passing on information and understand the perspectives of others while at the same time entertaining.

It is within this framework that CAF and KQ Hub Africa are seeking to promote youth civic engagement through Arts as a platform through which their voices can be heard. Through this forum young people will be challenged to reflect on the current Rwenzori and share their narratives and design the kind of society they want to live in. This is expected to be done through; painting, songs, drama, poetry and essay writing among others. These narratives will be compiled into both written and audio visual collections for future reference. These collections will be used as advocacy tools to foster peace, good governance, responsible citizenship and peaceful co-existence. #Art4CivicChange #Art4CivicEngagement

Last week we popped up in Jinja district at the Ra

Last week we popped up in Jinja district at the Railway Museum in collaboration with @ladupoetryhouse and @kiirarts to bring our #art4civicengagement conversations, spoken word and comedy show.

The show Speak-Up & Stand -Up reimagined the role of comedy and poetry as an art form that inspires young people to use their voices for civic engagement challenging the powers that be to take action for the promotion of human rights, social justice and democratic governance. The monologues provoked, challenged and instigated young people to take up public space as shapers of their own social-political narratives as opposed to being bystanders all powered by young influential artists including the comedian Daniel Omara (@the_lol_model ), the poet MARITZA @mama.kla , the Comedian Don Andrea and the Poet @markgordonmugasha among others. #Art4CivicEngagement #Art4CivicChange

We are excited to be collaborating with @ladupoetr

We are excited to be collaborating with @ladupoetryhouse and @kiirarts to bring our #art4civicengagement conversations, spoken word and comedy shows this time popping up in Jinja, Eastern Region at the Railway Museum.

The show Speak-Up & Stand -Up reimagines the role of comedy and poetry as an art form that inspires young people to use their voices for civic engagement challenging the powers that be to take action for the promotion of human rights, social justice and democratic governance. The monologues will provoke, challenge and instigate young people to take up public space as shapers of their own social-political narratives as opposed to being bystanders all powered by young influential artists including the comedian Daniel Omara (@danielomara17), the poet MARITZA @mama.kla , the Comedian Don Andrea and the Poet @markgordonmugasha among others.

We hope to see everyone of you this 12th May, 2023. Entrance is free.

#Art4CivicEngagement #Art4CivicChange

Last week we hosted a silent film Picnic together

Last week we hosted a silent film Picnic together with @afrodiorama. This film picnic evening aimed at bringing together film enthusiasts and filmmakers to an ambient evening with film screens that highlight how African societies are using film and the arts to promote civic change and discuss the prominent civic issues facing our society. This was not just a film screening event but also an opportunity for filmmakers and newcomers interested in film to network, interact, and have dialogue about the different ways that they can use film to champion the social issues that we are encountering within our society.

Films screened inlcuded:

Mary Monday by Ochan Hannington - Mary works as a journalist for a Ugandan news station, researching, recording and editing stories about the lives of refugees in Uganda using only her mobile phone powered with a small solar panel. A refugee herself, Mary’s work ensures that refugees and displaced people are able to remain connected through mass media.

Mama Africa by - Mika Kaurismäki’s documentary about world-famous South African singer Miriam Makeba, who spent half a century traveling the world spreading her political message to fight racism, poverty and promote justice and peace, is a tribute to a woman who embodied the hopes and the voice of Africa.

Through hosting these film screenings, we are championing both the local and the continental film industries by screening films from within Uganda and around the continent that center around social justice and governance. #Art4CivicChange #Art4CivicEngagement

Last week we hosted a silent film Picnic together

Last week we hosted a silent film Picnic together with @afrodiorama. This film picnic evening aimed at bringing together film enthusiasts and filmmakers to an ambient evening with film screens that highlight how African societies are using film and the arts to promote civic change and discuss the prominent civic issues facing our society. This was not just a film screening event but also an opportunity for filmmakers and newcomers interested in film to network, interact, and have dialogue about the different ways that they can use film to champion the social issues that we are encountering within our society.

Films screened inlcuded:

Mary Monday by Ochan Hannington - Mary works as a journalist for a Ugandan news station, researching, recording and editing stories about the lives of refugees in Uganda using only her mobile phone powered with a small solar panel. A refugee herself, Mary’s work ensures that refugees and displaced people are able to remain connected through mass media.

Mama Africa by - Mika Kaurismäki’s documentary about world-famous South African singer Miriam Makeba, who spent half a century traveling the world spreading her political message to fight racism, poverty and promote justice and peace, is a tribute to a woman who embodied the hopes and the voice of Africa.

Through hosting these film screenings, we are championing both the local and the continental film industries by screening films from within Uganda and around the continent that center around social justice and governance. #Art4CivicChange #Art4CivicEngagement

Last month, we collaborated with @igc_fashion to b

Last month, we collaborated with @igc_fashion to bring a conversation Lounge at the #KWETUKWANZA fashion event which is a sustainable fashion future event that brings together experts in the fashion industry, fashion designers, academics, sustainable activists, craft makers among others.

The event was immersive complete with conversations, fashion installations, networking, live music show-casings, poetry and fashion entrepreneurs booths.

The #CivicArt Panel conversation explored the intersection between Fashion and Civic Engagement exploring the role of fashion in instigating civic and social change. In these conversations, the panelists deep dived in ways in which Fashion can also be a platform for activism and political engagement. Panelists suggested that Fashion campaigns and events can be used to raise awareness and promote social and environmental issues. For example, fashion can be used to support movements such as Black Lives Matter or climate change activism. Fashion can also be used to support sustainable development and ethical labor practices by promoting responsible consumption and production patterns.

Fashion has the power to communicate social messages and reflect cultural values. It can be used as a tool for social justice by promoting diversity, inclusivity, and representation. For example, fashion campaigns can challenge beauty standards and promote body positivity, while fashion shows and advertising can showcase models from diverse backgrounds. Fashion brands can also promote ethical labor practices and environmental sustainability, thus contributing to social justice and civic engagement. #Art4CivicChange #Art4CivicEngagement #Fashion4CivicChange @eastafricaarts @motivug

Last month, we collaborated with @igc_fashion to b

Last month, we collaborated with @igc_fashion to bring a conversation Lounge at the #KWETUKWANZA fashion event which is a sustainable fashion future event that brings together experts in the fashion industry, fashion designers, academics, sustainable activists, craft makers among others.

The event was immersive complete with conversations, fashion installations, networking, live music show-casings, poetry and fashion entrepreneurs booths.

The #CivicArt Panel conversation explored the intersection between Fashion and Civic Engagement exploring the role of fashion in instigating civic and social change. In these conversations, the panelists deep dived in ways in which Fashion can also be a platform for activism and political engagement. Panelists suggested that Fashion campaigns and events can be used to raise awareness and promote social and environmental issues. For example, fashion can be used to support movements such as Black Lives Matter or climate change activism. Fashion can also be used to support sustainable development and ethical labor practices by promoting responsible consumption and production patterns.

Fashion has the power to communicate social messages and reflect cultural values. It can be used as a tool for social justice by promoting diversity, inclusivity, and representation. For example, fashion campaigns can challenge beauty standards and promote body positivity, while fashion shows and advertising can showcase models from diverse backgrounds. Fashion brands can also promote ethical labor practices and environmental sustainability, thus contributing to social justice and civic engagement. #Art4CivicChange #Art4CivicEngagement #Fashion4CivicChange @eastafricaarts @motivug

Last month, we collaborated with @igc_fashion to b

Last month, we collaborated with @igc_fashion to bring a conversation Lounge at the #KWETUKWANZA fashion event which is a sustainable fashion future event that brings together experts in the fashion industry, fashion designers, academics, sustainable activists, craft makers among others.

The event was immersive complete with conversations, fashion installations, networking, live music show-casings, poetry and fashion entrepreneurs booths.

The #CivicArt Panel conversation explored the intersection between Fashion and Civic Engagement exploring the role of fashion in instigating civic and social change. In these conversations, the panelists deep dived in ways in which Fashion can also be a platform for activism and political engagement. Panelists suggested that Fashion campaigns and events can be used to raise awareness and promote social and environmental issues. For example, fashion can be used to support movements such as Black Lives Matter or climate change activism. Fashion can also be used to support sustainable development and ethical labor practices by promoting responsible consumption and production patterns.

Fashion has the power to communicate social messages and reflect cultural values. It can be used as a tool for social justice by promoting diversity, inclusivity, and representation. For example, fashion campaigns can challenge beauty standards and promote body positivity, while fashion shows and advertising can showcase models from diverse backgrounds. Fashion brands can also promote ethical labor practices and environmental sustainability, thus contributing to social justice and civic engagement. #Art4CivicChange #Art4CivicEngagement #Fashion4CivicChange @eastafricaarts @motivug

We are excited to be taking over Mbarara City with

We are excited to be taking over Mbarara City with the live music show titled Vibes & Expressions. A production partnership with @cmh.live complete with conversations and Performances geared towards amplifying the voices of young people on their role as civic change makers. Catch us at @nkoreplace #Art4CivicChange #Art4CivicEngagement

#KWETUKWANZA means “Ours First”. This is a sus

#KWETUKWANZA means “Ours First”. This is a sus

“I would like to use my blog to advocate for soc

“I would like to use my blog to advocate for social justice needs of the people”

MEET the #Art4CivicEngagement resident Mercy AWINO who will use their two weeks residence time in @okerecity to explore the role of literature publishing and writing towards amplifying and raising the voices of local communities whilst sparking Civic Engagement and change in their communities to reflect on human rights, democracy and governance of local communities. The outputs will culminate into a public showcase and exhibition of their works both in Okere city, Otuke District in Northern Uganda where Okere City is located.

“Poetry is one of the best most known form of li

“Poetry is one of the best most known form of linguistic self expression allowing people to express themselves on how they feel and how things ought to change in their communities.”

MEET the #Art4CivicEngagement resident @raniahmulungi_poet who will use their two weeks residence time in @okerecity to explore the intersection between spoken word poetry in sparking Civic Engagement and change in their communities to reflect on human rights, democracy and governance of local communities. The outputs will culminate into a public showcase and exhibition of their works both in Okere city, Otuke District in Northern Uganda where Okere City is located.

“In the songs that I write, I speak about matter

“In the songs that I write, I speak about matters that engage community urgency including domestic violence, mental health”.

MEET the #Art4CivicEngagement resident @jacklinekobusinge who will use their two weeks residence time in @okerecity to explore the intersection between music and Civic Engagement.

The outputs will culminate into a public showcase and exhibition of their works both in Okere city, Otuke District in Northern Uganda where Okere City is located.

“In the past, I’ve written songs to lend my vo

“In the past, I’ve written songs to lend my voice to different causes that matter to me in the community and this time around civic change is the issue i want to explore during the course of my residency”.

MEET the #Art4CivicEngagement resident @mmfavour who will use their two weeks residence time in @okerecity to explore the intersection between music and Civic Engagement.

The outputs will culminate into a public showcase and exhibition of their works both in Okere city, Otuke District in Northern Uganda where Okere City is located.

MEET the #Art4CivicEngagement resident @kitaka_wa_

MEET the #Art4CivicEngagement resident @kitaka_wa_kavulu8 who will use their two weeks residence time in @okerecity to explore the intersection between Theatre and Civic Engagement.

For us at KQ Hub Africa, Our Collaboration with @k

For us at KQ Hub Africa, Our Collaboration with @kitara_nation is premised on the belief that "Your words have the power to move mountains, to heal hearts, and to change the world”.

Join us for a Poets Dinner to contemplate on the power of the spoken word and its role in enhancing social changes and raising the civic consciousness of our communities in Uganda today. #Art4CivicEngagement

MEET THE RESIDENT: Arts for Civic Engagement Resid

MEET THE RESIDENT: Arts for Civic Engagement Residency in @okerecity will be glad to have the theatre practitioner @kitaka_wa_kavulu8 who will be part of a 2 week residency exploring the intersection between theatre and civic community change.

The artists shall be able to participate in the activities of Okere City which spans health care and educational service operations, sports and cultural activities, leadership and political advancement projects, and business development support service, among others. Moreover, the artists shall also be linked to the local council units other and clan/cultural organs within the community. It is expected that these immersions shall give the artists 360 degrees view of what artistic projects they shall be able to create either individually or together with the community. Among others, these outputs should ultimately facilitate public discourse and/or debate on civic engagement; inspire community members to become a more active citizenry; inspire local leaders to become more accountable and valuable; and enhance the participation of ordinary citizens in democratic processes.

ACE Residency program targets young artists seeking the time and mental space to investigate new ideas and deepen existing artistic inquiries to widen civic participation and engagement. Our understanding of art is wide. We welcome writers, thinkers, and curators, and are considering anyone with a deep interest and already well-developed skills in visual arts, writing, culinary arts, composers, musicians, scholars, filmmakers, architects, and more.

Studio / Workspace
Available resources: community hall, library, football pitch, volleyball pitch, netball court, kitchen, gardens, office space, forest.

The residency is a production partnership between KQ Hub Africa and Okere City. #arts4civicengagementuganda #arts4change

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