Nine exceptional applicants, chosen from a large volume of competitive proposals, now have the opportunity to explore in great depth and detail their own approach to concept development and audience engagement through creative projects.

The grantees come from a wide variety disciplines – ranging from visual to performative, from traditional to contemporary. Mussa Sango of Boresha Radio expressed his excitement to have been selected for the music category – “this is an opportunity to fulfill the dreams of Tanzania’s afro-fusion community who do not receive nearly enough attention from the mainstream”.

“Switzerland has supported a wide range of arts and culture activities in Tanzania since 2005, and continues to promote and encourage artistic expression and cultural creativity through support to various projects,” said Ambassador Didier Chassot. ‘I believe these nine newly selected initiatives will further contribute to a vibrant, inclusive and diversified arts and culture sector.’

“Feel free” is a unique chance for artists and arts organisations to be bold, experimental, and ambitious while they explore the process and presentation of artistic production – but it doesn’t stop there. The programme also aims to instill confidence and skills in grant and project management, delivering trainings to help grantees build their own professionalism and gain competency and ability in arts production.

“We believe strongly that artists and organisations need independence and freedom from narrow definitions and rules to create their best work and to design the most influential programmes – so it is our hope that these grants – equal parts cultural funding and managerial mentorship – will foster precisely that. And that artists “feel free” to explore the issues that are important to them on a personal level while engaging audiences in a fresh and thoughtful way,” says Rebecca Corey, Director of Nafasi Art Space.