Who we are
Arts and Culture for Development (AC4D) is a Tanzanian based non - profit organisation making an impact in repositioning the creative economy in East Africa and using innovation as a tool to impact communities, artists and organisations. We work with creatives to provide development opportunities, to see themselves as creative entrepreneurs and leaders. We want Tanzanian creatives to take advantage of this dynamic world by forging a creative space for themselves. AC4D provides consulting, project management and marketing services for organisations seeking creative support in their projects. We lead in articulating the life-changing impact of organisations and communities across East Africa, through writing, photography, videography and design, capitalising on digital marketing and local and national press outlets. We are changing the African narrative and working with various indigenous tribes to preserve the culture and develop a better understanding of the society in a globalized context.
MISSION STATEMENT
To disseminate and exchange knowledge and a better understanding between African communities through culture preservation, tourism promotion, innovation and skills development in the creative economy.
Some of the problems we are solving
Development and Training
Many individuals and artists face language barriers that limit their access to international opportunities. Additionally, some lack the knowledge and resources to establish themselves creatively, both locally and internationally. Numerous opportunities exist, such as funding and skill development programs, yet many artists are not fully leveraging these to advance their careers. We are here to change that.
The recent pandemic has underscored the need for businesses to adapt to virtual platforms, and the creative industry is no exception. We are dedicated to equipping creatives with entrepreneurial and digital skills to help them reach a broader audience, both locally and internationally.
Preserve Heritage
Join our mission to preserve Tanzanian heritage. We work closely with local communities to keep our cultural stories alive and authentic. Africans are often underrepresented in telling their own stories, with foreign perspectives dominating the African narrative. Shockingly, 43% of stories about the continent are produced by foreign agencies, while only 19% come from African-based sources. This imbalance results in a one-sided portrayal that lacks depth and diversity.
Our goal is to contribute to the preservation of African heritage by using art and culture to tell stories from marginalized communities. We believe in the importance of raising awareness and highlighting the richness of East African culture to empower people, cultures, and communities. Our aim is to develop resources that serve educational purposes and promote tourism, showcasing the best of East Africa’s heritage.
Opportunities and International Exhibitions
We also focus on creating opportunities for local artists to showcase their work on a global stage. By connecting Tanzanian creatives with international platforms, we aim to bridge the gap between local talent and global audiences. Through exhibitions, collaborations, and partnerships, we provide artists with the tools and resources they need to gain international recognition. Whether it’s through accessing funding, participating in global exhibitions, or engaging in cross-cultural exchanges, we are committed to helping artists reach new heights and share the beauty of Tanzanian heritage with the world.
Objectives
- To provide learning and development for artists.
- Shape the community’s narrative.
- To contribute towards transforming the creative economy in Tanzania and Africa at large.
- To find alternative approaches to storytelling, to embrace culture, identity and shape Africa’s narrative.
- To promote and encourage transparency and knowledge to the community.
- To promote public awareness.
- To do anything incidental to the above.
