East Africa Art Biennale Celebrates 20 Years, Reflects on Regional Art Scene Growth

The East Africa Art Biennale (EASTAFAB), founded in 2003 in Tanzania, has completed its tenth edition. Director Firdaus Mbogho discusses the biennale's impact on the East African art scene. The biennale was initiated by Belgian expatriate Yves Goscinny and Professor Elias Jengo through the National Arts Council (BASATA) in January 2003, with the first edition held at the National Museum in November 2003. The 2021 edition focused on freedom of expression, addressing the pandemic's impact on artists. Mbogho notes that while Tanzania's contemporary art scene is growing, it lags behind Kenya and Uganda, which have more developed art infrastructures. Uganda's Margaret Trowell School of Fine Arts, established in the early 1900s, produced early Tanzanian pioneers like Sam Ntiro and Abdallah Farahani. Kenya's Sisi kwa Sisi art movement has also been influential. The biennale has inspired the creation of numerous art organizations and biennials across East Africa. The upcoming 2023 edition will mark 20 years and include a conference on contemporary art history. Mbogho calls for greater government support and a free platform for artists, as discussed at the Art Dialogue Forum 'Art & Society' in November 2021.