The Angolan artist is recognised for his work exploring colonial legacies, identity, and hope through art
Kiluanji Kia Henda © Edson Pinheiro
Kiluanji Kia Henda has been announced as the winner of the inaugural Creativity for Social Change Award, launched by the Democracy & Culture Foundation in collaboration with the Moleskine Foundation. The award was presented on May 14, 2025, at the historic Palazzo Reale in Milan, during the Art for Tomorrow conference (May 12–14).
Selected from over 160 nominations submitted by global organisations, Kia Henda was unanimously chosen by an international jury comprising Heba Y. Amin, Dimitris Daskalopoulos, Sandra Jackson-Dumont, Jeff Koons, Sebabatso Manoeli, Simon Njami, Adama Sanneh, and Kim Conniff Taber.
Born in Luanda, Angola, Kia Henda is a multimedia artist whose practice tackles the complexities of colonial history, political conflict, and cultural memory. At the same time, his work is imbued with optimism, offering a forward-looking perspective rooted in resilience. His projects have engaged deeply with Angola’s past, drawing powerful connections to the broader experiences of migrants, refugees, and the African diaspora as they navigate issues of identity, marginalisation, and systemic injustice.
Beyond his artistic production, Kia Henda has co-founded initiatives that support emerging talent and critical discourse in Angola. These include Fuckin’Globo, an independent artist platform housed in the former Hotel Globo in Luanda, and KinoYetu, an association promoting hands-on learning in filmmaking and visual arts, focusing on fostering awareness of colonial legacies.
In addition to recognising Kia Henda, the jury also commended two finalists:
- Natalia Kaliada, theatre-maker and co-founder of Belarus Free Theatre, was praised for her multidisciplinary creative practice that merges artistic innovation with activism.
- Mohamed Sleiman Labat, a multidisciplinary artist from the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria, was noted for his community-rooted practice that challenges conventional narratives surrounding displacement.
The award includes a €10,000 cash prize, the opportunity to co-curate a panel at the Art for Tomorrow conference, and membership in the Creativity Pioneers network, curated by the Moleskine Foundation. The programme offers access to peer-learning and creative exchange with other artists and changemakers worldwide.
In a statement, Christophe Archaimbault, CEO of Moleskine, reflected on the deeper meaning of creativity:
“Oscar Wilde once said that art is useless — useless like a flower. And yet, precisely because it defies utility, art holds the power to transform the world. At Moleskine, we support art and creativity as pure expressions of human genius. And if art is useless, it becomes vital to use it meaningfully.”
The Creativity for Social Change Award is part of a broader effort by both foundations to spotlight the transformative role of the arts in society. The Moleskine Foundation, through its Creativity Pioneers Fund, has supported over 150 cultural organisations across 40 countries since 2021, aiming to uplift under-resourced creative communities.
The Democracy & Culture Foundation, meanwhile, is dedicated to strengthening democracy through citizen engagement and cultural dialogue. Its flagship initiatives—the Athens Democracy Forum and Art for Tomorrow—bring together voices from across the globe to address today’s most pressing democratic and cultural challenges.
Both foundations expressed their gratitude to all the organisations, nominators, and supporters who helped make the inaugural award successful. By recognising figures like Kia Henda, the initiative reaffirms the vital role of artists in shaping more inclusive, reflective, and engaged societies.
For more information, please visit the Creative for Social Change Award.
