The creative industry in western Kenya has received a huge boost following the setting up of an art centre in Kisumu.
Baraza Media Lab on September 27, launched the initiative which is set to provide a music recording studio, podcasting set, conference space, event and meeting area at the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) mall in Mamboleo.
Head of Operations and Programs at Baraza Media Lab Cynthia Muthoni noted that the initiative follows extensive monitoring of the sector which revealed the need for the setting up of the art centre.
‘In Nairobi, we charge Sh12, 000 annually for artists to benefit from the service. Through the spirit of public participation, we will be engaging stakeholder in this region to find an agreeable amount for artists to pay’-Baraza Media lab Cynthia Muthoni
This is set to be the second art centre set up by the entity after the one in Nairobi.
According to Ms Muthoni, artists are expected to be enrolled by the entity, and they will be expected to pay a modest annual subscription so as to benefit from the services.
“In Nairobi, we charge Sh12, 000 annually for artists to benefit from the service. Through the spirit of public participation, we will be engaging stakeholder in this region to find an agreeable amount for artists to pay,” she said.
She noted that the fee is not for the purposes of making profits, but for the purposes of ensuring basic maintenance.
Capacity building of artists
She said apart from the production services, the initiative will also bring in experts on different creative sectors to train the artists on how to sustainably benefit from their talents.
“This space is here to accelerate what the artists do with the aim of providing dignified and fulfilling opportunities,” she said.
Production services remain the biggest huddles to artists in the region, with most private studios charging at least Sh2, 000 for simple productions of less than an hour.
Ms Muthoni noted that with the initiative, a modest annual fee will be able to provide artists with much more opportunities.
Isaac Gem, a music producer and film maker in the region noted that the initiative is good for the artists, as it provides an opportunity for the artists to come together and chat their future.
Mr Gem who is a representative of Kenya Musicians Union noted that the initiative will promote capacity building of artists so as to understand their trade.
“At Kenya Musicians Union, we are making some steps towards ensuring equality, and protecting them from exploitation,” he said.
Kisumu has recently hosted a number of national and global events which have provided platforms for artists.
However, artists from the region have claimed that they are left out of these projects, while others are exploited with meagre pay.
“We need fair playing ground where every artist benefits, and people get what is due for them,” said Crazy Monkey, an artist from Kisumu.
