🎨 Bridging Worlds Through Art: Aragon Foundation Partners with Wajukuu Art Project in Nairobi

Before the long trek to Africa, the Aragon Foundation organized donation drives for new and gently used art supplies. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we filled four large suitcases with brushes, paints, sketchbooks, and materials ready to spark imagination and joy.

Our destination: Nairobi, Kenya, where we spent an unforgettable day exploring the city’s vibrant art scene and connecting with the talented young artists of the Wajukuu Art Project in the Mukuru informal settlement.

A Morning of Inspiration

Our art-filled journey began at the Circle Art Gallery and Seven Artists Studios, where we met inspiring local creators and witnessed powerful works that reflected Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary spirit.

Guiding us through this creative landscape was Joel, an artist and curator whose passion for art and community development shone through every story he shared. Joel began his artistic journey in 2007 and has since collaborated with institutions such as Kuona Trust Art Centre, Ramoma Art Gallery, Nafasi Art Space, and the FOAM Museum.

Since 2020, Joel has worked with Goethe-Institut Nairobi, Katho NRW University, and Raum für Kunst in Germany, curating socially engaged programs that bridge communities through creativity. As part of the British Council’s Curators’ Connect Program, he explores themes of family history and representation—topics he brings to life for young people in Nairobi through the BISO Learning and Young People’s Program (YPP).

Joel often reminds us that culture is one of the missing pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a belief that resonates deeply with our mission at the Aragon Foundation. Through our MADE (Music, Art, Dance, and Education) initiative, we strive to empower youth through creativity, mentorship, and cultural exchange.

This visit marked the exciting launch of MADE Global, a new chapter in our partnership with artists and educators in Kenya—uniting communities through the universal languages of music, art, dance, and education.

An Afternoon with the Wajukuu Art Project

In the afternoon, we visited the Wajukuu Art Project in Mukuru, a community-based collective that empowers children and young adults through art. We were warmly welcomed by Ngugi Waweru, the Art Manager, and Freshia Njeri, the Manager of the Kids Club. We also met Lazarus Tumbuti, Manager of Social Programs, whose striking artworks embody resilience and creativity.

As we unpacked the art supplies—and shared cookies, milk, juice, and snacks—the children’s excitement lit up the room. Their smiles and laughter reminded us of why this work matters. To our delight, they even performed songs and dances as a thank-you, a heartfelt moment that filled us with hope and joy.

The Wajukuu team was also preparing for their Open Studio as part of #Rika25, featuring works from eight distinguished artists—a powerful testament to the thriving creativity within the community.

Connecting Through Creativity

This journey was far more than a donation drive—it was a bridge between cultures, generations, and dreams. It reaffirmed our belief that art is not only expression, but connection—a way to nurture hope, build understanding, and inspire growth.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this effort. Your donations are helping young artists in Nairobi continue to create, learn, and share their voices with the world.

At the Aragon Foundation, we believe that partnerships like this—between artists, educators, and organizations across continents—create ripples of opportunity and understanding. As Joel beautifully said, “Such exchange programs allow cultures to connect.”

We look forward to a long-term partnership with Wajukuu Art Project, returning every six months with more supplies and creative engagement. Together, through MADE Global, we’re building a world where art truly makes a difference—one brushstroke, one beat, one dance, and one lesson at a time.

Through MADE Global, we’re connecting communities and empowering young artists to dream without borders.