Art & Action in Africa

I’ve had the privilege to spend time in Africa on many occasions going back to 2011, collaborating with inspiring community organizations, dynamic artists and talented children in Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique and the Cape Verde islands. Together, we’ve created large-scale murals that explored the lives of community members and envisioned a brighter future, along the way cultivating new friendships based on mutual respect and partnership.

Now, through my organization, Artolution, our incredible team of artists in Uganda– hailing from South Sudan, DR Congo and Uganda – lead a sustainable, year-round community art program in the Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement and across the country, impacting the lives of thousands of children and community members. I’ve had the honor of working with our team since early 2019, and couldn’t be more proud of the dedication and passion they have to the young refugees in their community. The program creates positive platforms for these young people to tell their own stories and shape their own identity, while beautifying their settlement and promoting social inclusion. I’ve enjoyed painting murals with the team and, during the pandemic, leading virtual workshops focused on animation and digital art.

In Kibera Slum, one of my former child participants, Amos– now a talented young man– is giving back to the next generation of children in his community by leading a youth-led dance and arts program called AfroCure, which I’m proud to sponsor. It’s incredible to see Amos and his fellow dancers and artists creating a positive, family environment for so many children. Check them out!