UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

01/15/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/15/2024 11:46

UNESCO-Aschberg Project Ignites Nairobi's Creative Economy: A Vision for Growth and Innovation

More than sixty enthusiastic representatives from partner organizations and county government officials with expertise in culture, heritage, and tourism, gathered on January 11, 2024 to kickstart a transformative journey for Nairobi's Creative Economy. Funded by the Kingdom of Norway, the UNESCO|Aschberg project (launched officially on December 2023) is unfolding as a collaborative endeavor, leveraging the collective expertise of key entities such as the Nairobi County, the GoDown Arts Centre, the Kenya National Commission to UNESCO, the Kenya Bureau of Statistics (KBS), the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), and the Creative Economy Working Group.

At its core, the Aschberg project seeks to build capacity and awareness, recognizing the critical role of data in informing policy development and strategic measures. The creative economy, often an unacknowledged force, encompasses a diverse array of subsectors, from visual arts and design, to music, film, and literature. With Nairobi serving as its canvas, the project is poised to unlock the county's creative potential.

The official launch during the Nairobi Festival was a fitting celebration of artistic expression and cultural diversity. The city came alive with the Nairobi Festival - Vibe of the City, providing a dynamic platform for the launch. The timing was a deliberate choice to align with an event that celebrates the very essence of Nairobi's rich cultural tapestry.

As the Aschberg project unfolds, it carries the promise of transforming Nairobi into a hub of creativity, innovation, and economic growth. The data collected through this initiative will not only serve as a foundation for informed policy decisions but will also shed light on the unique needs of the creative sector, paving the way for tailored support and interventions

Dr. Anastasia NyalitaCounty Executive for Inclusivity, Public Participation, Nairobi County Government

The inception workshop served as a cornerstone for the project, drawing in key stakeholders who will play pivotal roles in its execution. County government officials in Nairobi and other relevant stakeholders will receive specialized capacity-building training to enhance their understanding of the creative economy and empower them to collect invaluable data on the various creative industries and potential tourism circuits operating within Nairobi County.

Partnerships lie at the heart of the Aschberg project, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable growth. While implementation by the Nairobi City Council ensures a seamless and sustainable integration of the project into existing governance structures, The GoDown Arts Centre brings its wealth of experience in promoting contemporary arts and the creative economy.

The Kenya Bureau of Statistics, with its expertise in data collection and analysis, will play a crucial role in ensuring the employment of a robust framework for gathering comprehensive and comparable data.

The coming together of diverse stakeholders signals a shared vision for a future where the creative economy thrives, contributing not only to cultural richness but also to the economic vibrancy of the city. The Aschberg project is not just a venture-it is a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that, by nurturing creativity, we unlock the true potential of our communities.

Participants contribute to the plenary discussions during the Project Inception Workshop, held at Nyayo House, Nairobi on 11 January 2024 © Judith Ogana/UNESCO

UNESCO is excited to partner with Nairobi County in this initiative, and believe Nairobi's creative spirit will continue to inspire, captivate, and lead us into new realms of artistic and cultural excellence, and lead other counties in the country to revive the creative voices

Ms. Judith OganaNational Professional Officer for Culture, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa