HUSTLESASA, a prominent organization dedicated to supporting Kenyan creatives, has been awarded a staggering grant of Ksh. 12 million from the prestigious Ignite Culture Programme.
This remarkable funding will be utilized to launch an innovative digital incubator aimed at nurturing and empowering aspiring artists and creatives across Kenya.
The project is supported by a grant from the Ignite Culture: ACP-EU Culture Programme.
The goal of this 9-month initiative is to empower young creators in Kenya by equipping them with the necessary tools, resources, networks, and knowledge to generate income from their passions.
Over a period of 7 weeks, participants will engage in intensive business and marketing workshops led by various industry experts, including Artists Rights Africa, Olivia Ambani, and Tetu Shani.
The program will cover a wide range of topics such as financial literacy, budgeting, community development, integrated marketing communications, emerging trends in the art world (such as cryptocurrency and NFTs), and mental well-being.
After the learning sessions, participants will spend 2 weeks getting onboarded onto the HustleSasa mobile app. The company’s CRM Team will provide guidance to the program participants on how to use all of the platform’s features to successfully manage their businesses online.
During the app onboarding period, creators will also receive graphic design and product photography support so as to ensure they build professional websites which they can use to sell seamlessly to their audiences.
This project is remarkable for several reasons. Firstly, it aims to impact a significant number of individuals, with four cohorts consisting of 250 participants each, totaling 1,000 upskilled creatives throughout Kenya by December 2023.
Additionally, the incubator program’s curriculum is designed to cater to a diverse range of creative disciplines, including musicians, dancers, event organizers, writers, chefs, beauty, haircare & skincare specialists, photographers, and many others.
This is different from other similar programs which generally work with smaller cohort sizes of around 15-30 participants and focus on specific creative roles e.g. production, DJing, music performance, etc.
Since all the participants will be on the HustleSasa mobile app, there will be continuity for them even after the program concludes as the platform regularly runs community initiatives like event financing and networking gatherings for its app users.
To apply for the first cohort of the ‘Turning Passions Into Livelihood’ program, click here. (Eastern Africa).
For the grant’s consortium partner, The Alchemist, being a part of this project is another opportunity to add to its 7+ years of contribution to the local creative scene by giving more artists a space to connect and share their talents with eager audiences.
The program will culminate in a grand showcase held at the venue in December 2023 where the public will interact with 100 of the participants’ brands and enjoy a live concert featuring a number of beloved local musical acts.
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HustleSasa Co-Founder & CEO, Peng Chen, says
“We care about creatives and their dreams. Running this program gives us an opportunity to continue walking alongside young people in the arts and entertainment space as they turn their dreams into sustainable realities.”
The fund is being implemented by HEVA, in partnership with the British Council Kenya, with the financial contribution of the European Union and with further support from the Organisation of ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) States. It is part of the global ACP-EU Culture Programme.
For further inquiries, contact:
Project Manager: Stephanie Gogo Email Address: [email protected]
