Nairobi Arts Biennale 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nairobi Arts Biennale 2026 Launches Global Call for Artists, Enthusiasts & Collectors
NAIROBI, KENYA — January 10, 2026 — The Artistic Director and organizing committee of the Nairobi Arts Biennale 2026 are proud to announce the official launch of Kenya’s most ambitious contemporary and historical art celebration. Scheduled to run from October 24 through November 8, 2026, the Biennale issues a global call for artists, arts collaboratives, galleries, and cultural stakeholders to join the movement shaping the future of the East African Arts Community while delivering a true experience of Kenya’s art scene to enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Under the theme “Our Art & Future: Your True Experience,” – the event will transform Nairobi into a city-wide expression of ‘Art’ with venues throughout the city. The Biennale aims to bridge the gap between local identity and global dialogue, offering a premier platform for both established and emerging voices to showcase works that explore fresh concepts, sustainable materials, and cutting-edge technology.
“This is more than a grouping of exhibitions; it is an artistic movement that highlights who Kenya is and where we are heading,” said the Artistic Director. “We are inviting the world to experience our art, our voice through a diverse range of mediums, from traditional sculpture and painting to AI, VR, performance, and installation.”
A Call for Diverse Participation
The Nairobi Arts Biennale 2026 seeks participation from a wide spectrum of creatives, including:
Visual & Fine Arts: Painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, film, and ceramics.
Digital & New Media: AI, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR).
Performance & Literary: Spoken word, poetry, storytelling, and community-based "artivism."
Design & Installation: Fashion, murals, makers, and large-scale installations.
Opportunities for Collaboration
The committee is calling on artists, galleries, art initiatives, hotels, venues, and tour agencies to join this cultural ecosystem. Participants will gain significant international exposure while contributing to a movement that redefines the Kenyan art scene for the next generation.
About the Artistic Director
The Biennale is led by Jamey Ponte (Babu), a renowned "artivist" and founder of House of Friends Kenya (HOF), the Kibera Arts District (KAD), and Art Riot Press. With over two decades of experience in East Africa, Ponte has pioneered the use of art as a tool for systemic change, social justice, environment and wildlife.
Under his leadership, the HOF Gallery Kibera has become a vital community hub, hosting major events like the SOS ART Kenya exhibition and the annual Kibera Arts Parade & Carnival. Ponte’s work focuses on empowering artists to become "groundbreakers and thinkers" who use their craft to address critical issues like human rights and sustainability. His deep-rooted commitment to community-based art ensures that the 2026 Biennale will be more than a global showcase—it will be a platform for authentic Kenyan voices to lead the future of international art dialogue.
Engagement and Next Steps
The Biennale team is currently hosting virtual and in-person forums to discuss the official event prospectus. Interested artists and collaborators are encouraged to schedule a consultation to secure their participation in this defining event.
For inquiries, to request a prospectus, or to schedule a meeting, please contact the committee via the Participant Pre-Registration link or visit: https://houseoffriendskenya.com/nairobi-arts-biennale
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Media Contact:
Nairobi Arts Biennale 2026 Organizing Committee
Email: Jamey@HouseOfFriendsKenya.com
Cell: +254 741 443 678 (Pato)
WhatsApp: +1 513 545 5332 (Jamey)
Website: NairobiArtsBiennale.com
Notes to Editors:
High-resolution images of past Kibera Arts District projects and the 2026 Biennale digital prospectus are available upon request.
Interviews with Jamey Ponte, Patrick Othieno, Santana Sino, participating local artists and stakeholders can be arranged via the Media Contact.
Jamey Ponte, Artistic Director
WhatsApp: +1 513 545 5332
Email: Jamey@HouseOfFriendsKenya.com
Patrick Othieno -Event Producer
Cell: 0741443678 • WhatsApp: +254 775 084210
Email: patothieno491@gmail.com
Santana Sino -Exhibitions Officer
Cell & WhatsApp: +254 728 463822
Email: graphicsmeans2050@gmail.com
