From 12 to 16 February 2026, the Shaping Crossroads fellows will come together at the Nafasi Art Space in Dar es Salaam. The four days in Tanzania will be led by Jesse Mpango and will continue the work begun in 2025 in online workshops on conditions and improvements in intercontinental mobility and collaboration. This event will also feature a public discussion entitled Creatives on the Move - Breaking Barriers to Artistic Exchange, organized by Sauda Simba and featuring guests from the art scene, the creative industries, and the Tanzanian Ministry of Culture.
Creatives on the Move - Breaking Barriers to Artistic Exchange
Panel discussion
14 February 2026, 5 to 7 p.m.
Location: Nafasi Art Space, Eyasi Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tansania
Discussion in English and Kiswahili / free Entrance
Moderation: Sauda Simba / Cultural Practicioner
Speakers: Robert Mwampembwa / Creative Industry Network, Mrisho Mrisho / National Arts Council Tanzania, Ayeta Anne Wangusa / CEDA Culture and Development East Africa, Rachel Kessy / MUDA Africa
artistic intervention: Zuhura Sengenge
About the moderator/speakers
Sauda Simba is a multidisciplinary creative, passionate about culture, creativity and community. She has coordinated and managed international arts programs with partners including the Danish Embassy , Swedish institute, British Council and EU. A storyteller at heart, she is a children’s author, singer and actor who brings vibrant energy and purpose to every project and performance she undertakes.
Robert Mwampembwa is the founder and chief executive officer of Creative Industry Network Tanzania in Tanzania, an umbrella body comprising 34 bodies. Robert has a wide range of knowledge and expertise in the Creative and Culture economy. An artist himself he has led various researches and surveys in the industry and has worked tirelessly in advocating for better policies, laws and welfare of artists in Tanzania. Robert has worked in the technology sector, media, and creative sector bringing with him years of experience He lives and works in Dar es Salaam.
The National Arts Council of Tanzania is a government institution that plays a vital role in fostering and overseeing the growth of the arts sector in Tanzania. It was established under the legislative framework of the National Arts Council Act No. 23 of 1984, which has been enhanced by notably amendment No. 5 of 2019. The Council’s vision is to become a leading Authority in promoting Tanzania’s unique art and culture, as well as positioning the nation as a global hub for creative excellence and artistic identity. Tactical achievement of the Council is based on empowerment of artists and artistic institutions through strategic investments, partnerships, capacity building, and robust systems that unlock the full potential of Tanzania’s art and culture industry. We always believe in Transparency, Integrity, Inclusivity, Diversity, Patriotism, Teamwork, Innovativeness, being Customer oriented and Commitment.
“Let us join hands together for Arts Promotion and Development in Tanzania”
Ayeta Wangusa is a creative thought leader, co-founder and Executive Director of Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA). CDEA is a creative think tank based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania that provides cultural and Pan-African thought leadership for sustainable development. CDEA's work is at the nexus of research and policy advocacy, social justice media programming, as well as creative economy support. She has been a member of the UNESCO Expert Facility for the 2005 Convention since 2015. As a researcher, she has at different occasions been commissioned by the UNESCO, African Union Commission (AUC), the International Labour Organization (ILO), Afrieximbank, the British Council for creative economy research. She is a PhD student in Media and Communication Research at the University Leicester, UK.
Rachel Kessy is driven by a passion to empower Africa’s youth to connect with the world through the richness of their own arts and cultures. For over two decades, she has worked in project and institution development in East Africa’s visual and performing arts sectors. She founded Mawazo Contemporary Art Centre in Dar es Salaam (2001–2012), promoting over 140 East African visual artists, publishing art books, and opening commercial outlets for local craft groups. In 2013, she co-founded the Muda Africa Dance Centre, where she continues to lead its vision, strategy, and growth. Rachel has also contributed her expertise to several cultural organizations, serving on the boards of Alliance Française Dar es Salaam, Busara Promotions Zanzibar, Music Mayday, Vipaji Art Foundation, Rafiki Bagamoyo, and Soul-Xpressions Rachel has also contributed her expertise to several cultural organizations, serving on the boards of Alliance Française Dar es Salaam, Busara Promotions Zanzibar, Music Mayday, Vipaji Art Foundation, Rafiki Bagamoyo, and Soul-Xpressions Uganda.
Born to a British mother and Tanzanian father, Rachel grew up across the USA, UK, and Switzerland, and now calls Dar es Salaam home, where she lives with her family.
This event is part of Shaping Crossroads / DECONFINING Arts, Culture and Policies in Europe and Africa.