Where is East Africa headed? Socio-political, Economic, Cultural and Technological outlook for coming decades, and their implications for culture and the arts
The 7th Edition of the East Africa Arts Summit will take place from Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd November in Nairobi, Kenya. It comes at a time of milestone anniversaries in the region. Most East African nations are marking or have recently marked 50 years of Independence, while at the same time, several influential arts organizations in the region celebrate their contribution to a decade of significant change for East Africa’s cultural sector.
As part of The GoDown Arts Centre’s celebration of ten years of diverse events and activities, it invites regional colleagues, artists and arts organizations to reflect on possible future scenarios for East Africa.
The discussions, framed within socio-political, economic, cultural and technological contexts will examine potential prospects, and challenges. The GoDown will also share its ten-year journey in the regional sector, highlighting its perceptions and indicating notable issues for the arts in coming years.Sparking off the discussion will be keynote speakers envisioning possible directions for East Africa based on current developments; East African Community integration; increasing political awareness by regional citizens; oil, gas and mineral deposits in East Africa; burgeoning youth population and unemployment; urbanization; a growing middle class; infrastructural developments–mobile telephony, fibre-optic installation, rail, road and ports; East African innovators, etc –followed by round-table discussions by all participants around key themes on the place and purpose of the arts within these possible futures.
Events open to the Public: The GoDown Gig – Celebrating the 10 years of the GoDown
Date: November 23, 2013
Venue: the GoDown Arts Centre
Time: 5 pm till dawn
Performances by: Sarabi, Iddi Achieng and Makadem
On the Decks: DJ Kafi