This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
August 5, 2020, marked a day when Artcaffe found itself at the center of a heated online conversation. The restaurant had announced a competition dubbed #ARTofthecity, aimed at giving Kenyan creatives a platform to showcase their work.
The overall winner would receive an exhibition space for two months, an internship with the design team, or free coffee for a year. However, this reward system did not sit well with many, who felt that it undervalued the efforts of artists.
Wambui Collymore, the founder of The Art Space, an online art gallery, weighed in on the conversation. She emphasized that art is meant to be bought, stating, 'This is precisely why we need to stop using the words, 'support art'. Art is made to be bought unless the artist offers to do it for free.'
Collymore further argued that artists live on the money their art makes and that refusing to buy art kills the industry. She suggested that exposure is not enough and that what artists need is investment in the arts.
Others online also criticized Artcaffe's reward system, suggesting that offering a cash prize instead of free coffee would make a significant difference in the lives of artists. 'One coffee a day for a year is Sh91,250. Offer that instead of a cup of coffee that no one needs,' wrote @ElayneOkaya.
Artcaffe responded to the criticism, clarifying that the ultimate prize is not coffee but insisting that the campaign is aimed at giving artists an opportunity and exposure.
