Young artists in Kenya and Africa as whole are becoming increasingly experimental, venturing more into contemporary art.
Against this backdrop, the British Council initiated the new Art new Audiences grant scheme, an open call to artists, musicians, film makers and cultural institutions across east African countries and the UK to create new art to showcase to audiences in the UK and East Africa.
According to Tony Riley the country director of the British council here in Kenya the grant will provide a great opportunity for artists in the country and those from the UK to create magnificent and transformative new art.
Sylvia Gichia the owner of Kuona Trust which is a center of visual arts in Kenya says visual artists will not be left out in this great opportunity as they embark in showcasing new art in the participating countries.
And as a means to give a platform to the diversity of ideas and expressions that are in today's vibrant East African arts scene, the British Council's open call does not restrict the theme of the projects.
Marion van Dijck famously known as 'mama sarakasi' who is the co-founder and managing director of Sarakasi dancers trust is elated by the initiative saying it will boost the artists works whether working as a group or as individuals.
She, however, mentioned that the biggest challenge that artists encounter is proper funding.
The programme entails three strands: New Art new Audiences, Creative Hustles and Mobility East Africa.
Creative Hustles are skills-sharing and networking events for East African artists and audiences and the British Council will run 20 Creative hustles across East Africa over the next 12 months.
Acclaimed Kenyan contemporary aAfricanmusician Charles Adamson alias "Makadem", lauded the initiative by the British council terming it a major boost for young artists.
To qualify to be part of the programmes, one will have to write a one page proposal with their idea, which will be looked at by experts from within and without the British Council.
Two open calls per year will be announced starting at the end of July 2016. Successful applicants will be expected to share their travel experience in innovative, digital and publically accessible ways.
The initiative by the British council is filled with powerful ideas that if achieved can turn around the economy of African countries by empowering the youth through art.