Untethered Magic - Nairobi
Untethered Magic – Nairobi, Kenya
Artist-Run Residency & Creative Collective on Edge of Nairobi National Park
Overview
Untethered Magic is an artist-run residency and creative collective located in Ongata Rongai on the outskirts of Nairobi, situated on the edge of Nairobi National Park overlooking a dramatic river gorge. Founded by internationally recognized artist Syowia Kyambi, videographer Kibe Wangunyu, and radio presenter/photographer Dennis Kiberu, this programme operates on principles of sustainability, autonomy, and decolonization in contemporary art. Emphasizing that “artists come here to learn and unlearn” without pressure to produce, Untethered Magic facilitates critical thinking about artistic practice through peer-to-peer mentorship, alternative pedagogies, and meaningful exchange—all while building toward self-sustainability through eco-friendly A-frame timber houses that will accommodate residents and generate revenue through off-season rentals.
Founding Vision & Philosophy
The Founders
Syowia Kyambi – Internationally exhibited performance and installation artist whose practice addresses questions of communal identity, state, and self-censorship. Represented Kenya at Venice Biennale. Previously resident at Delfina Foundation (London, 2016). Property owner who built Untethered Magic on her land while “rebuilding her life” and creating “sanctuary” for artists needing space.
Kibe Wangunyu – Self-taught Kenyan commercial photographer, cinematographer, and digital artist focusing on identity, psychology, philosophy, culture, and Kenyan colonial/pre-colonial history. Co-runs Sauti Msituni Radio, a diverse online radio station exploring underground and alternative music within Africa.
Dennis Kiberu – Radio presenter, PR practitioner, music producer, DJ, and photographer who studied Journalism and Film at Multimedia University of Kenya. Handles project and administrative management for Untethered Magic and co-runs Sauti Msituni Radio.
Additional Collaborator:
Ciaran Nash – Also mentioned as collective member in some sources
Mission Statement
“To advance visual art in Kenya through advocacy and resource mobilization for a stronger network of visual artists and collectives. We want to establish dialogues around alternative pedagogies and creative peer-to-peer mentorships, as well as process and dissemination formats.”
Core Philosophy
No Production Pressure:
“Artists come here to learn and unlearn. The space encourages residents to think critically about their practice without the pressure of throwing an exhibition or offering works for one afterward.” – Kibe Wangunyu
This process-oriented approach distinguishes Untethered Magic from production-focused Western residencies.
Critical Thinking & Deep Engagement:
“Untethered Magic facilitates critical thinking in one’s practice; to truly rethink art making and materiality, and to have deeper peer-to-peer discussions. It’s a space for artists looking to build their visual language and seek meaningful exchange through their work.” – Kibe Wangunyu
Responding to Educational Gaps:
“Our education system doesn’t facilitate critical thinking; the development of curators is slow. When I first came back to Kenya in 2003, there were hardly any curators to talk to, or critical writers for constructive criticism that didn’t just look to the global North for references.” – Syowia Kyambi
Creating Space for Failure and Experimentation:
“To produce strong work over a period of time, one needs to have the capacity for failure, time for experimentation, and the space for things that are not necessarily sellable, but meaningful to society.” – Syowia Kyambi
Sanctuary & Home:
The space originated from Syowia’s property becoming refuge for artists in transition:
“A lot of people came to my property needing sanctuary. I was in the process of rebuilding my life, building a new home for my son and myself. Artist and fashion designer Wakianda Virginia had hit a snag in her practice and found it difficult to produce at home… Artist Nicholas Odhiambo was also going through a transition and needed a space from which to explore Nairobi before leaving for art school in Germany.”
Addressing Brain Drain:
“There’s this exodus of knowledge and expertise because of bad politics, gaps in public funding, and gaps in the educational system. I was hoping that by supporting Nick he would know he had a space to return to if he wanted.”
Alternative to Traditional Structures
“In Kenya, we provide an alternative to traditional structures and promote interaction between artists and diverse communities, collaborating on decolonisation in contemporary art.”
Location: Nairobi National Park Edge
Geographic Setting:
Ongata Rongai, outskirts of Nairobi
On edge of Nairobi National Park
Overlooks dramatic river gorge
Wildlife Context:
“With all sorts of wild animals around” – the property serves as “place of passage for those animals” creating authentic wilderness immersion minutes from Kenya’s capital.
Natural Environment:
- River gorge views
- Bush and forest vegetation
- Direct access to national park ecosystem
- Rope bridge across gorge to neighboring Kitengela Glass art center
- Abundant birdlife and wildlife sounds
Accessibility:
- Short drive from central Nairobi
- Edge location providing both urban access and natural isolation
- Connection to wider Nairobi art scene while offering retreat atmosphere
Residency Structure & Programmes
UJUZI Partnership Programme
Year-Long Mentorship with Three Intensive Residencies
Delivered through partnership between Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI) and Untethered Magic
Programme Structure:
Duration: 12 months total
Components:
- Three in-person intensive residencies at Untethered Magic
- Monthly mentorship meetings (matched with dedicated mentor)
- Practice-sharing sessions at halfway point with three external practitioners
- Month-long public presentation at NCAI (exhibition, publication, readings, performances, screenings, or other formats)
- Final residency for reflection, debrief sessions, potential public symposia
- Digital platform for ongoing mentorship and public dissemination
Eligibility: Artists living and working in East Africa with specific research questions they want to examine to develop creative practice
Focus: Cultivating multilayered practices where research and process are as important as final outputs
Educational Approach:
“UJUZI adopts a holistic approach to artistic education encompassing creative research methodologies and contextual thinking to develop conceptual and aesthetic rigour.”
Born from desire to develop artistic education in East Africa beyond traditional art school models
Mentors Include:
- Usha Seejarim – Socially engaged artist transforming quotidian objects in large-scale sculptural works delving into women’s perceived domestic spheres
- Elena Marchevska – Performance research, migration, feminism specialist with collaborative approach
- Abdullah Qureshi – Artist, curator, educator addressing personal histories, resistance, sexuality through collaboration methodologies
Exhibition: Opening September 26, 2024 at NCAI showcasing programme and expanding audience understanding of artistic development
Non-Profit Model: Relies on public and private institutional support plus individual donations
Standard Artist Residencies
Duration: Variable (sources mention accommodations available to rent during “residency off seasons” suggesting scheduled intake periods)
Capacity: Not specified but space includes multiple A-frame houses under construction
Activities:
- Critical peer-to-peer discussions and feedback
- Studio time without production obligations
- Engagement with Nairobi art scene through collective’s networks
- Optional participation in Sauti Msituni Radio or other collective projects
- Workshops and skill-sharing emerging organically from resident expertise
No Fixed Requirements: Unlike many residencies, no mandatory exhibitions, donations, public programs, or social media engagement
Transart Institute Partnerships
Untethered Magic serves as host location for January 2024 residency for Transart Institute’s MFA & PhD creative researchers, including:
- Week-long intensive in Nairobi
- Meetings with local artists and curators
- Workshops and research discussion circles
- Studio visits
- Collective meals and cultural excursions
Sustainability Model: Self-Sufficiency Through Design
Core Principle:
“Untethered Magic has self-sustainability at the core of its model; it intends to be a home as well as a collective.” – Dennis Kiberu
Sustainability Strategies:
Financial Autonomy
“Sustainability can be obtained by the realization of financial freedom and autonomy of space, which can be based on green energy utilization, recycling, and indigenous farming methods.”
Eco-Friendly A-Frame Houses
“We are currently building a number of eco-friendly A-Frame timber houses with the support of the African Arts Trust.”
Dual Purpose:
- Accommodate artists during residencies
- Rented out during off-seasons to generate revenue supporting operations
This model allows:
- Financial stability independent of grants
- Long-term sustainability
- Affordable or free residency access for artists
- Community building through shared resources
Indigenous Farming Methods
“With everything we develop at Untethered Magic we are conscientious of the natural eco-system of our surrounding dings and attempt to employ indigenous farming methods.”
Integration of permaculture or traditional agricultural practices supporting:
- Food production for residents
- Environmental stewardship
- Connection to land and local knowledge
- Educational opportunities around sustainable living
Green Energy
- Solar power or other renewable energy sources
- Reducing operational costs
- Environmental responsibility
- Off-grid capabilities
Facilities & Resources
Studios:
- Syowia Kyambi’s studio on property (professional working artist modeling practice)
- Shared studio spaces for residents
- Natural light from valley-edge location
Accommodation:
- A-frame timber houses (eco-friendly construction)
- Private or shared depending on program and availability
- Basic but comfortable amenities
Communal Spaces:
- Kitchen for shared cooking and meals
- Outdoor areas for gatherings, discussions, performances
- Rope bridge access to neighboring Kitengela Glass (glass-blowing studio and sculpture garden)
Technical Resources:
- Sauti Msituni Radio broadcasting equipment and platform
- Photography and videography equipment (Kibe’s expertise)
- Digital editing and production capabilities
- Recording studio potential
Library & Archive:
Access to research materials, publications, and collective knowledge base
Natural Resources:
- Bush and river gorge for site-specific work
- Wildlife observation and documentation
- Soundscapes (natural sounds, bird calls, animal movements)
- Indigenous plants and materials
Disciplines & Artist Profile
All Visual Arts:
- Painting, sculpture, installation
- Photography and video
- Performance art
- Mixed media and experimental practices
Multidisciplinary Practices:
- Writers and poets
- Musicians and sound artists
- Performance researchers
- Radio and audio practitioners
- Curators and critical writers
- Cultural practitioners and activists
Particularly Suited For:
- Research-based practices valuing process over product
- Socially engaged artists interested in community and collective models
- African and diaspora artists seeking pan-African connections
- Artists questioning colonial structures in art world
- Practitioners interested in decolonization methodologies
- Those exploring alternative pedagogies
Career Stages:
- Emerging to established
- Particular support for artists in transition (career changes, returning from abroad, dealing with life challenges)
- Creating space for artists to return after studying/working internationally
Community & Networks
Sauti Msituni Radio
“Diverse online radio station that seeks to explore the underground & alternative music scene within the African continent”
Run by Kibe Wangunyu and Dennis Kiberu, providing:
- Platform for experimental African music
- Artist interviews and conversations
- Sound art and audio documentation
- Cultural commentary and discussion
Broader Nairobi Art Scene Connections
Untethered Magic’s position as “central hub for creative community”:
Key Relationships:
- NCAI (Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute) – Exhibition venue, UJUZI partnership
- Contemporary And (C&) – Office and reading room in Nairobi
- Kuona Trust – Artist collective with studio spaces
- Circle Art Gallery, One Off Contemporary Art Gallery, GravitArt Gallery – Exhibition venues
- Eden Nairobi Hotel – Cultural programming venue
- Various fashion designers, textile producers, local artisans
International Connections:
- Delfina Foundation (London) – Previous Syowia residency
- Triangle Network – International artist network
- Transart Institute – MFA/PhD programme partnerships
- African Arts Trust – A-frame house construction support
- Performingborders – Commissioned projects
- Various European and global institutions
The Gathering
While primarily NCAI programme, Untethered Magic likely participates in The Gathering – artist forum offering African artists and practitioners (local and diaspora) chances to interact outside institutional or commercial contexts
Application Process & Selection
No Standardized Public Application mentioned in available materials
Access Likely Through:
- Direct invitation from founders
- Referrals from Nairobi art community
- Partnership programmes (UJUZI, Transart, etc.)
- Organic connections through art scene engagement
- Inquiry via social media or email
Contact:
Not publicly listed but reachable through:
- Syowia Kyambi’s professional channels
- Kibe Wangunyu’s networks
- Dennis Kiberu’s contacts
- NCAI partnership inquiries
- Contemporary And connections
Selection Criteria (Inferred):
- Alignment with collective values (critical thinking, decolonization, sustainability)
- Research-oriented practice valuing process
- Willingness to engage in peer dialogue and exchange
- Respectful collaboration with communal living
- Contribution to collective knowledge building
Financial Structure
Not Publicly Specified
Likely Variable Based on:
- Partnership programmes (UJUZI funded through grants and donations)
- Individual arrangements negotiated case-by-case
- Exchange models (skill-sharing, knowledge contribution)
- Subsidized or free access for African artists through sustainability model
- International artists potentially contributing financially
Philosophy Suggests:
Prioritizing access over fees – removing financial barriers for artists who benefit most from space, particularly:
- East African artists with limited resources
- Artists in transition or crisis needing sanctuary
- Those excluded from commercial gallery systems
- Researchers and critical thinkers over producers/sellers
Testimonials & Recognition
W Magazine (2022):
“It’s rooted in the process… The space encourages residents to think critically about their practice without the pressure of throwing an exhibition or offering works for one afterward.”
Contemporary And:
Featured multiple times as significant Nairobi art space
Fiona Campbell (UK Artist):
Visited during Arts Council England-funded research trip:
“Loved all the conversations and art-based adventures we had… Inspiring Untethered Magic… overlooking a dramatic river gorge where artist Syowia Kyambi has her studio.”
Previous Residents Include:
- Wakianda Virginia – Fashion designer and artist
- Nicholas Odhiambo – Visual artist (before Germany art school)
- Neo Musangi – Writer and performance artist (neighboring property)
- Various international researchers and Transart students
Why Choose Untethered Magic?
Artist-Run Authenticity:
- Founded and operated by practicing artists
- Understanding of creative needs from lived experience
- Flexible, responsive, human-centered approach
Process Over Production:
- Rare freedom from exhibition obligations
- Permission to fail, experiment, unlearn
- Critical thinking prioritized over output
Nairobi National Park Setting:
- Wildlife immersion minutes from capital
- Dramatic natural beauty and inspiration
- Balance of urban access and wilderness retreat
Decolonization Focus:
- Alternative to Western/commercial art structures
- Pan-African and diaspora connections
- Critical examination of inherited systems
Peer-to-Peer Learning:
- Working artists as mentors and collaborators
- Collective knowledge building
- Alternative pedagogies outside formal institutions
Sustainability Model:
- Long-term viability through eco-friendly design
- Financial independence from unstable grant cycles
- Community-focused rather than profit-driven
Networks & Partnerships:
- Access to Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute
- Sauti Msituni Radio platform
- International connections through founders
- Growing East African artist networks
Since Operating:
- Established reputation since early 2020s (exact founding date unclear but operations well-established by 2021-2022)
- Growing infrastructure with A-frame house development
- Increasing institutional partnerships (NCAI, Transart, Triangle Network)
Contact & Next Steps
Untethered Magic
Ongata Rongai, Nairobi
Kenya
Website: https://untethered-magic.com
Social Media:
Search “Untethered Magic Nairobi” on Instagram, Facebook
Associated Channels:
- Sauti Msituni Radio – Online radio platform
- Syowia Kyambi – Artist website and social media
- Kibe Wangunyu – Photography and videography portfolio
Indirect Contact:
- Through NCAI for UJUZI programme inquiries
- Via Transart Institute for academic partnerships
- Through Contemporary And office in Nairobi
To Connect:
- Research founders’ work and collective philosophy
- Engage with Sauti Msituni Radio and content
- Follow Untethered Magic’s social media
- Contact via website or through Nairobi art community connections
- Attend NCAI exhibitions featuring Untethered Magic partnerships
- Express genuine interest in decolonization and critical artistic practice