Introduction
The East Africa Art Biennale (EASTAFAB) is a significant platform for contemporary art in East Africa, providing crucial visibility for artists from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and other nations in the region. Founded in 2003 by the East Africa Art Biennale Association (EASTAFAB), the exhibition operates with a unique rotating model, moving between major East African cities to foster greater regional integration and cultural exchange.
Unlike many international biennials focused on global art stars, EASTAFAB emphasizes grassroots artistic development, community engagement, and building sustainable arts infrastructure across East Africa. The biennale combines exhibitions of contemporary visual art with workshops, educational initiatives, and professional development opportunities for artists, curators, and arts administrators. Through this multifaceted approach, EASTAFAB aims to strengthen regional artistic networks, facilitate cross-border collaborations, and increase international recognition of East African contemporary art.
Narrative & Themes
EASTAFAB embraces broad thematic frameworks that respond to the cultural, social, and political contexts of East Africa while encouraging artistic innovation and critical dialogue. Past editions have explored themes such as cultural identity, urbanization, environmental change, migration, technological adaptation, and the region's complex relationship with colonialism and globalization. These frameworks are intentionally open-ended, allowing for diverse artistic expressions and interdisciplinary approaches.
A distinctive feature of EASTAFAB is its emphasis on art that engages with local communities and addresses pressing social issues. Many participating artists work with traditional techniques and materials while adapting them to contemporary contexts, creating a productive tension between heritage and innovation. The biennale consistently highlights practices that blur boundaries between fine art, craft, design, and everyday creativity, reflecting the integrated role of art in many East African societies.
Recent editions have increasingly focused on collaborative and process-based projects that extend beyond conventional exhibition formats. These initiatives include public art interventions, community workshops, interdisciplinary research, and technological experiments. By emphasizing art's social function and potential for community transformation, EASTAFAB distinguishes itself from market-oriented art events while creating meaningful contexts for artistic exchange and public engagement.
History & Context
EASTAFAB emerged in 2003 as a response to limited infrastructure for contemporary art in East Africa and the need for greater regional artistic exchange. Established by Tanzanian artist Yves Goscinny alongside a collective of artists, curators, and cultural organizers, the biennale initially focused on Tanzania before expanding to its current rotating model that encompasses multiple East African countries.
The biennale's development has paralleled significant growth in East Africa's contemporary art scene, with new galleries, residency programs, art schools, and creative initiatives emerging across the region. EASTAFAB has played a vital role in this ecosystem by connecting artists across borders, providing exhibition opportunities, and advocating for greater investment in cultural infrastructure.
Inaugural East Africa Art Biennale launched in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Third edition introduces rotating model with exhibitions in multiple East African cities
Fifth edition expands educational programming and professional development initiatives
Eighth edition establishes more extensive partnerships with international institutions
Tenth edition develops digital platform to increase accessibility
Cultural Development Initiative
Beyond its exhibitions, EASTAFAB functions as a broader cultural development initiative committed to building sustainable artistic infrastructure across East Africa. The organization operates year-round programs including residencies, workshops, mentorships, and educational outreach. These activities focus on building capacity within the region's cultural sector, supporting emerging artists, and developing local audiences for contemporary art.
EASTAFAB also advocates for policy changes to support creative industries and cultural preservation in East Africa. Through partnerships with governments, educational institutions, and international organizations, the biennale works to strengthen the ecosystem for contemporary art while highlighting its value for social development, cultural tourism, and international cultural exchange.
Regional Representation
EASTAFAB emphasizes inclusive representation of East Africa's diverse artistic communities, featuring artists from urban centers and rural areas, established names and emerging talents, and traditional and contemporary practices. This approach creates a multifaceted portrait of the region's cultural landscape while fostering dialogue between different artistic communities.
Tanzania
Founding country with strong representation
Kenya
Dynamic contemporary art scene
Uganda
Innovative approaches and experimentation
Rwanda
Emerging contemporary art community
Burundi
Traditional techniques with contemporary vision
Ethiopia
Rich visual heritage and modernist tradition
Each edition includes a curated selection of artists from across these countries, with additional participation from the African diaspora and occasional international guest artists. The rotating location model ensures different national contexts are highlighted while encouraging regional mobility and exchange. This approach has proven effective in developing networks between previously isolated artistic communities and creating opportunities for collaborative projects.
Exhibition Gallery
Regional Map
The East Africa Art Biennale rotates between major cities in East Africa, including Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali, and Addis Ababa, with satellite exhibitions in smaller communities throughout the region.
