This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
At Maseno University, a group of art students and enthusiasts have been gathering every Tuesday evening for the past two years to showcase their work and exchange ideas. This initiative, known as #ArtisticTuesday, was founded by Grace Mumbua, a 21-year-old art student who enrolled at the institution in 2017.
According to Grace, she started #ArtisticTuesday to change the perception of visual arts at the university. At the time, many students were not proud of the course, and it was not valued as much as other subjects like engineering or medicine.
Grace, who was the point person for calligraphy services in secondary school, had initially planned to study interior design. However, she received a calling letter to pursue visual arts at Maseno, and she is now glad she took the course.
Through #ArtisticTuesday, Grace has discovered that many university students are talented in arts but lack a platform to showcase their work. The event is now open to both art students and enthusiasts who practice art as a hobby.
Grace's passion for art has led her to start a company called Kelly Visual Arts, which she registered last year. With five other visual arts students, she visits primary and secondary schools in Nairobi and around Maseno University to mentor talented students.
So far, they have visited 13 schools, and Grace is currently training 10 students. She also makes and sells art pieces during her free time to finance the mentorship programs and other logistics associated with #ArtisticTuesday.
Grace's ultimate goal is to set up an arts centre near her home, where students can come and receive mentorship during school holidays. She believes that art deserves more respect and appreciation, and she is working towards making that a reality.
