The Artists of Nakivale Young Talent Community, Uganda
Working Day & Night to Produce Art and Mentor the Next Generation of Artists in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement
Day 29 of the 61-day Small Art Big Heart challenge goes to the young refugee artists of Nakivale Young Talent Community (NYTC) in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. Led by their enterprising 22-year old leader,
, NYTC artists are proving that art can change lives.Today was a particularly special day for the young refugee artists of Nakivale Young Talent Community. They stood before a videographer and presented their art pieces. High quality pictures and short videos of each artist are being produced to help promote their artwork.
But before the artists could confidently stand in front of the camera, they first had to write the stories behind their art. So, yesterday, they reflected on their art pieces. And, they wrote and wrote and wrote.
Then, they practiced their presentations in front of each other…
And, then today it was showtime. Dr. Lee, a local refugee videographer came to take pictures and video today. It was their time to shine!
Soon, their art, the stories, and their bios will be shared with the world in the hopes of finding buyers for original art as well as prints.
Already, one original print has been sold and the group is motivated to put their best foot forward to make more sales. The proceeds of every sale will support the artist, their family, as well as fund materials and supplies for NYTC’s art educational programs offered to over 35 young children in the Settlement.
Art Changes the World
I believe art can change lives. I believe art can change the world. It’s more than a belief; it’s a fact.
Many of us have the lived experience to prove that art does indeed change lives and the world for the better. Art is a positive outlet for self-expression, healing, and communication. Art is humanity’s universal language, recognizable to all across continents, cultures, and languages. Creative works communicate emotions, feelings and that which words can never express. Art is a salve for broken hearts. Art can saves lives.
The young refugee artists of Nakivale Refugee Settlement - ages 15 to 22 from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, South Sudan and elsewhere - turn to art for all of these reasons. Art keeps them motivated, hopeful, it feeds their souls, and helps them express the pain of loss and their hope for the future. All of them fled war and conflict; some left years ago and others more recently. All come with a story of tragic loss, broken and separated families, and lost loved ones. Unspeakable trauma.
Despite it all, or perhaps in part because of it all, Nakivale artists create gorgeous, heart-breaking, soul-inspiring, mind-blowing art.
And, they are doing it on less than a shoestring, all the while boostrapping their own art education program in a makeshift shelter where they mentor and guide other young artists. What they have already achieved with next to nothing and minimal outside support is incredible.
Currently, refugee families at Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda live on an allowance of USD$5 a month. Job opportunities are extremely limited and food rations have ceased. Uganda hosts the highest number of refugees and asylum-seekers in Africa, with almost 1.7 million people mainly from South Sudan and the DRC, yet it was among UNHCR’s 13 top underfunded operations globally in 2023. Meanwhile war rages on in DRC and South Sudan.
The Origins of NYTC
Nakivale Young Talent Community was started by 22-year old Congolese refugee Akon Deograce together with several other young artists who range in age from 15 to 22. NYTC is the group that I partnered with for the June 1, 2024 online Nakivale Young Refugee Art Expo.
As the NYTC artists advance their own professional art careers, they are also giving back by offering free daily art programs to 35+ young children, Monday through Saturday, from 8 am to 6 pm. At NYTC’s current makeshift art education center, young children have an opportunity to learn from their young adult role models - both young women and men artists. They learn how to express themselves, find beauty in purpose in art, work on collaborative mixed media projects. All the while, they are developing their communication skills, building empathy, creating a positive self-image, and learning how to cooperate and be in relationship with others.
Participation in the NYTC art program also keeps young boys and girls off of the streets and embraced in a positive, loving environment.
There are very few income generating opportunities in the settlement. As it stands, food is no longer distributed in the settlement and individuals receive a meager USD$5 allowance per month to live on. Depression and loneliness feed desperation which turns many to alcohol and drugs. Art programs for youth are one of the best ways to keep hope alive while also developing skills for a bright future.
Stay tuned for more from Nakivale artists. They are only getting started!
Check out this treat of a 3.5 minute video showing the artists preparing 30 pieces for UNHCR’s World Refugee Day on June 2th.
Where in the World are the NYTC Artists?
