Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI) - Nairobi
Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI) – Nairobi, Kenya
Non-Profit Visual Art Space with Residency, Archive, and Education Programmes
Overview
Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI) is a non-profit visual art space dedicated to growth and preservation of contemporary art in East Africa. Established in 2020 and opening to the public in January 2022, NCAI was founded by internationally recognized Kenyan-British artist Michael Armitage with support from a dedicated team. Operating from Rosslyn Riviera Mall with free admission, NCAI serves as hub and resource for East African art community through exhibitions, East African art archive development, extensive public programmes (talks, workshops, symposia), multidisciplinary educational programming, and residencies—including partnerships with Triangle Network for NCAI OFFSITE residencies and the TURN2 curatorial residency programme exchanging emerging curators between Africa and Germany.
Founding & Institutional Framework
Founder: Michael Armitage
Born 1984 in Nairobi, Kenya
Education:
- Slade School of Fine Art (2007-2010)
- Royal Academy Schools, London
Practice: Works between Nairobi and London creating paintings on Lubugo bark cloth addressing Kenyan politics, sexuality, and cultural identity through layered imagery drawing from Western art history and East African visual culture
International Recognition:
- Major exhibitions at Royal Academy (London), Haus der Kunst (Munich)
- Turner Prize nominee
- Represented by White Cube Gallery
Vision for NCAI:
Armitage founded NCAI to create permanent infrastructure supporting East African contemporary art, drawing on his dual position in Nairobi and international art world to build bridges.
The NCAI Team
Ayako Bertolli – Director (spent time at Bellas Artes Project in Quezon City, Philippines and Gasworks in London during NCAI development)
Don Handa – Curator leading delivery of exhibitions and programs. Interested in documenting and contextualizing practices of artists in and from Eastern Africa through exhibition-making, public programming, writing, and podcasting
Rosie Olang’ Odhiambo – Head of Programs. Writer, artist, independent curator, co-founder of Magic Door (experimental imprint in Nairobi). Understanding work through Toni Morrison’s relation: “I really only do one thing… it’s one job” – looking at, thinking about, reading about, writing about, making art primarily in community
Other Team Members:
- Rosasi Lydia
- Angela Muritu
- Mukami Kuria
- Nasrin Leahy
Mission & Vision
Mission Statement:
“To serve as a hub and resource for the thriving East African art community and as an inspiring cultural space for audiences.”
Through:
- Exhibitions showcasing historical and contemporary East African art
- East African art archive preserving exhibition history, artist documentation, critical writing
- Public programmes including talks, workshops, artist conversations, symposia
- Multidisciplinary educational programmes including UJUZI mentorship
- Residencies through NCAI OFFSITE and partnerships
Building on Legacy:
“NCAI aims to build on a legacy of initiatives seeking to tell the stories of the artists and projects that have shaped the region’s contemporary art scene.”
Acknowledging and continuing work of predecessors including:
- Kuona Trust (since 1998)
- Various artist-run spaces and collectives
- Historical exhibitions and projects
- Individual artists and curators building the scene
Long-Term Goals:
“Our long-term plan is to develop a permanent space and an education program that will provide a three-year post-graduate fine arts program.”
Ambitious vision to create:
- Purpose-built permanent facility (currently in mall space)
- Formal MFA-equivalent programme
- Comprehensive art education alternative to studying abroad
- Institutional infrastructure matching international standards
Global Network Expansion:
“Expand our network of partners across the globe to continue to share the work of the incredible artists of East Africa.”
Location & Facilities
Address:
Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute
Rosslyn Riviera Mall, 3rd Floor
Nairobi, Kenya
Access:
Two Entrances:
- From Limuru Road: Entrance to 2nd floor landing → stairs or elevator to 3rd floor → follow signage
- From basement parking: Elevator to 3rd floor → follow signage
Free Admission – No entrance fee
Exhibition Space:
Gallery on 3rd floor of Rosslyn Riviera Mall (one of Nairobi’s first mall buildings)
- White cube exhibition galleries
- Professional lighting and climate control
- Accessible via elevator (wheelchair accessible)
- Photography allowed for personal, non-commercial use (no flash, tripods, selfie sticks)
Art Library:
“With support and book donations from art institutions and galleries in Kenya and abroad, NCAI is building an art library.”
Resources include:
- Art history and theory
- Exhibition catalogues
- Critical writing and cultural studies
- African and East African art focus
- Reading room for research
Archive:
“Developing an archive of exhibitions, events, and writings that tell the story of the artists and the art of East Africa.”
Documentation of:
- Historical exhibitions in Nairobi and region
- Artist files and documentation
- Critical texts and reviews
- Event records and programming
- Oral histories and interviews
Residency Programmes
NCAI OFFSITE Residencies
Through partnerships, including those with Triangle Network, NCAI OFFSITE offers residencies to both local and international artists in Kenya.
Structure:
- Location: Various sites in Kenya (not at NCAI facility itself—hence “OFFSITE”)
- Duration: Variable depending on specific programme
- Capacity: Varies by partnership
- Support: Determined by funding and partnership structure
Triangle Network Partnership:
Triangle Network is global network of artists and visual arts organizations supporting professional development and cultural exchange through residencies, workshops, training, and knowledge sharing
Through this partnership, NCAI connects to:
- Bag Factory (Johannesburg, South Africa) – 30-year-history residency
- G.A.S. Foundation (Lagos, Nigeria) – Founded by Yinka Shonibare
- ZK/U (Berlin, Germany) – Center for Art and Urbanistics
- Other Triangle Network members globally
TURN2 Residencies (Curatorial Focus)
Research Residency Programme with Focus on Curatorial Practices
Partnership:
Joint project of:
- Kulturstiftung des Bundes (German Federal Cultural Foundation)
- ZK/U Berlin
- Triangle Network
In collaboration with:
- NCAI Nairobi
- G.A.S. Foundation Lagos
- Bag Factory Johannesburg
Programme Goals:
“Facilitate research for emerging curators and cultural practitioners with curatorial experience (visual arts, cross-disciplinary) either from the African continent to go to Berlin, or from Germany to go to Johannesburg, Lagos or Nairobi to explore the vibrant cultural scenes as a starting point for sustainable curatorial exchanges.”
Eligibility:
- Emerging curators in contemporary visual arts
- Emerging curators with cross-disciplinary approach
- Cultural practitioners with curatorial interest
- Based on African continent or Germany
Duration & Timeline:
- Residencies scheduled September 2021 – June 2023 (initial cohorts)
- Subsequent rounds through ongoing programme
Support:
- €1,500 monthly stipend
- Accommodation at host institution
- Access to technical equipment and support
- Networking opportunities with cultural institutions
- No application fee or participation fee
Requirements:
- Artist/curator statement
- Portfolio
- CV
- Project description
- Two references
Selection:
Expert jury reviewing applications through competitive open calls
Activities:
- Research at host institution
- Networking with local cultural institutions
- Proposing own formats and programmes
- Engaging with NCAI’s exhibition and public programme
Exhibition Programme
NCAI’s primary public face is rigorous exhibition programme showcasing:
Historical & Contemporary East African Art:
- Solo and group exhibitions
- Emerging and established artists
- Regional and diaspora practitioners
- Thematic and survey shows
Recent/Current Exhibitions (Examples from Search Results):
- Michael Armitage: Paradise Edict – Included “Mwili, Akili na Roho [Mind, Body, and Spirit]” section contextualizing his practice within East African art history
- Sane Wadu: “I Hope So” – Installation view featured in materials
- Notes on Friendship: Breaking Bread – Exhibition with accompanying workshops on self-publishing
- “Blue Blood” and “The Substance of Things” – Works exploring themes of health, body, transformation
- Various artist talks, performances, screenings accompanying exhibitions
Installation Quality:
Professional museum-standard presentation with:
- Proper lighting and conservation
- Educational materials and wall texts
- Catalogue production
- Documentation and archiving
Public Programmes & Educational Initiatives
UJUZI Mentorship Programme
Partnership with Untethered Magic (see previous section for full details)
Year-long mentorship with three intensive residencies culminating in month-long public presentation at NCAI
Workshops & Skill-Building
Recent Examples:
Art Writing Workshop – Exploring dynamic relationship between writing and visual art
Independent & Radical Self-Publishing Workshop – Hands-on, minds-on experience in context of exhibitions
Myth-Making Play-Date with Yvonne A. Owuor – Delving into magic of mythopoetics, cosmogony, archetypes, world-building, African folklore
“Build Your World: A Zine-Making Adventure” – Led by Ras Mengesha with Wajukuu Arts youth, blending storytelling, art, creativity
Artist Talks & Conversations
Format: Conversations between artists, curators, cultural practitioners
Recent Examples:
Michael Armitage & Ibrahim Mahama – Long-time friends and collaborators discussing power of artist-run spaces, cross-border collaboration, building art institutions across Africa (moderated by Renée Akitelek Mboya)
Artist talks drawing from exhibited works, exploring artistic process, identity, role of art
Reading Groups
Facilitated by Ato Malinda – Combining art history and art critique, participatory reading groups uncovering treasures in NCAI library
The Gathering
Artist forum offering African artists and art practitioners (local and diaspora) chance to interact outside institutional or commercial contexts
Contemporary And (C&) Office & Reading Room
Located in same building (Rosslyn Riviera Mall)
“C& office and reading room… hosts artists, writers and curators and provides a space of encounter to write, read, research and exchange.”
Complementary resource creating ecosystem of support
Strategic Positioning & References
International Models Studied:
- Bellas Artes Project (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Gasworks (London, UK)
- SCCA Tamale (Ghana)
- A4 Foundation (Cape Town, South Africa)
Collaborative Philosophy:
“We looked to create a space that will add to the existing ecosystem of institutions and independent practitioners in the Nairobi art scene. The success of NCAI will be in our ability to work with others.” – Michael Armitage
Not competing with but complementing:
- Kuona Trust
- Circle Art Gallery
- One Off Contemporary Art Gallery
- Banana Hill Art Gallery
- RaMoMa (Rahimtulla Museum of Modern Art)
- Untethered Magic
- Various artist-run spaces
Application & Access
For TURN2 Curatorial Residencies:
Open Calls announced periodically
Submit through official channels:
- Triangle Network website
- NCAI website announcements
- Partner institution communications
Materials Required:
- Artist/curator statement
- Portfolio
- CV
- Project description
- Two references
For NCAI OFFSITE Residencies:
Contact NCAI directly for current opportunities and partnerships
For General Engagement:
Visit NCAI:
- Free admission to exhibitions
- Attend public programmes, talks, workshops
- Use library and archive resources
- Participate in reading groups and community events
Connect:
- Follow social media for announcements
- Join mailing list for programme updates
- Attend openings and networking events
Financial Structure
Non-Profit Organization relying on:
- Michael Armitage’s support and fundraising
- Grants from arts councils and foundations
- Institutional partnerships (Triangle Network, German Federal Cultural Foundation)
- Individual donations from supporters
- In-kind support (book donations for library, etc.)
Free Public Access:
- No admission fees to exhibitions
- Free public programmes and workshops
- Accessible library and archive
Residency Funding:
- TURN2 provides €1,500 monthly stipend plus accommodation
- NCAI OFFSITE funding varies by partnership
- UJUZI supported through grants and donations
Why Choose NCAI Programmes?
Institutional Credibility:
- Founded by internationally recognized artist
- Professional museum-standard operations
- Permanent institution with long-term vision
East African Focus:
- Dedicated to regional contemporary art
- Building archive documenting history
- Connecting local and diaspora practitioners
Education & Development:
- Rigorous mentorship (UJUZI)
- Curatorial training (TURN2)
- Workshops and skill-building
- Alternative to studying abroad
Global Networks:
- Triangle Network connections
- German cultural institutions
- International curator and artist relationships
- Exhibition opportunities beyond Kenya
Free Access:
- No financial barriers to participation
- Commitment to community service
- Public good over commercial interests
Comprehensive Programming:
- Exhibitions + archive + library + workshops + residencies
- Holistic support for artistic ecosystem
- Multiple entry points for engagement
Contact & Next Steps
Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute
Rosslyn Riviera Mall, 3rd Floor
Limuru Road
Nairobi, Kenya
Website: http://www.ncai254.com
Social Media: Search “NCAI Nairobi” or “Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute”
Email: Contact through website (specific addresses for programmes)
To Engage:
- Visit exhibitions (free admission, check website for current shows)
- Attend public programmes (talks, workshops, opening receptions)
- Join mailing list for residency open calls
- Use library resources for research
- Apply for TURN2 when calls open (curatorial practitioners)
- Inquire about NCAI OFFSITE opportunities
- Participate in UJUZI if East African-based artist (partnership with Untethered Magic)
- Follow on social media for updates and opportunities