32° East is Kampala’s first-ever purpose-built art space
32° East is excited to announce that they have begun their big move!
The entrance of 32° East new hub. All images courtesy of 32° East.
For the past three years, they have been fundraising for a new home for 32° East that will be Kampala’s first-ever purpose-built art space. It will be a permanent hub for home-grown talent and international exchange with studios and a library, and the delivery of their regular programme of residencies, workshops, exhibitions and events.
The journey to their new home begins this month! They have secured a great new location in Kabalagala, behind Equity bank where they will move all their current resources and later begin construction of their new art centre. From July, they will no longer be located at the space on Ggaba Road, Kansanga, opposite Bank of Baroda.
The gallery interior of 32° East new hub.
A major contribution towards this goal is the Impact Grant they received from Outset Contemporary Art Fund. Outset is dedicated to supporting projects that challenge thinking and further the artistic discourse to inspire new audiences. They remain immensely grateful to everyone who has joined them on this journey and contributed to making this a reality. The fundraising continues, and they are well on their way to meeting their goal so every little bit counts!
Visit their website to make a donation.
Design Developments
Since 2016, James Hampton has provided pro-bono architecture services for the Art Centre, initially with Periscope Studio. In 2020 he has launched his new firm, New Makers Bureau, who specialise in imaginative, environmentally resourceful projects for social good.
We have been progressing the design of the Arts Centre on the new site, the building will be made from earth taken from the site – in rammed earth walls and using earth blocks, and will step down the slope of the site with views out across the nearby green space. The header image shows an initial idea for the gallery space, lit from above by soft, indirect light and featuring a picture window into the adjacent walled garden, which will be used to show larger pieces in the outdoors.
The studio spaces of the new 32° East hub.
Follow KLA ART’s podcast to stay up to date
KLA ART 20 has been postponed until further notice in light of COVID-19, but we’re celebrating the KLA ART Labs — our 9 months lead-up to the festival. The program began with Research and Concept Development lab sessions where our 11 participants and their co-investigators Molemo Moiloa, Nare Mokgotho and Lobadys Perez explored new ways of working.
In new episodes for the 32° East podcast, participants talk about their varied lessons and biggest takeaways from the activities and conversations that were had during the first lab sessions.
