A trendy, new gallery, the Shifteye Gallery, is a wonderful multi-functional art venue, photographic studio and events space. Showcasing a variety of contemporary visual arts and creative forms of expression, Shifteye also serves as an interactive platform to inspire and promote dialogue between artists. Recent exhibitions at the gallery include Line & Smudge by local artist Ogonga Thon, which depicts Kenyans’ relationship with alcohol, and Out of Five by German painter and printmaker Mathias Muelhe. Since its inception in 2013, Shifteye has gained popularity over a short period of time, offering a refreshing take on Nairobi’s contemporary art scene.
The Priory Place, Argwings Kodhek Road, Nairobi, Kenya, +254 202 306 529
The Kuona Trust was established in 1995 with the explicit aim of addressing the lack of visibility for visual art in Kenya and the desperate need for additional workspaces and exhibition centers. More than just a gallery, Kuona Trust is dedicated to providing much-needed support and resources to visual artists in Kenya, as well as being a platform for art lovers to enjoy and engage with the unbridled creativity that exists as a result. The center is currently home to over 20 resident artists from Africa and beyond, and hosts a series of exhibitions and events throughout the year, as well as community outreach programs, workshops, and mentoring schemes. Formerly attached to the GoDown center, the trust has been in its new location in the Kilimani area of Nairobi since 2008.
Denis Pritt Rd, Nairobi City, Kenya +254 733 742752
A previous edition of this article included Lily Pond Arts Centre in Nanyuki, Kenya. Unfortunately this space closed in March 2015.