We’re thrilled to share the inspiring story of Lillie, a talented visual artist from Tanzania who collaborated with AC4D on a recent project. Through her art and advocacy, Lillie continues to challenge societal norms and amplify underrepresented voices—especially those of people with disabilities. Today, she shares her artistic journey, her reflections on leadership, and the powerful impact of her experience as a Mandela Washington Fellow.
Kutana na Lillie: Msanii Anayobadilisha Hadithi
Tunafurahi kushiriki hadithi yenye kusisimua ya Lillie, msanii wa sanaa ya kuona kutoka Tanzania ambaye alishirikiana na AC4D kwenye mradi wa hivi karibuni. Kupitia sanaa yake na uhamasishaji, Lillie anaendelea kukabili misingi ya kijamii na kuinua sauti za watu ambao hawajapewa nafasi kutosha—hasa wale wenye ulemavu. Leo, anashiriki safari yake ya kisanii, maoni yake kuhusu uongozi, na athari kubwa ya uzoefu wake kama Fellow wa Mandela Washington.
I am a visual artist whose work is deeply rooted in personal experience and advocacy. As a person with a mobility disability, I use art to challenge stereotypes, foster inclusion, and inspire change. What began as a form of self-expression during childhood—drawing imaginary faces to connect with the world around me—has now evolved into a powerful tool for storytelling and disability rights advocacy.
My art is characterized by string art, which I use as a mixed medium on wood, and more recently, in installations. This unique approach helps me convey emotions, struggles, and triumphs in a way that highlights both the beauty and complexity of living with a disability. My work aims to shift perceptions and reflect the creativity and resilience that come from my lived experience as a young woman with a disability.
I’m motivated by the desire to rewrite my story—not just for myself, but for the next generation. I hope to inspire young girls like me to keep dreaming big. I also want to promote acceptance, accessibility, and understanding in our communities. For me, art is more than just aesthetic—it’s a platform for dialogue, awareness, and lasting social impact.
Mimi ni msanii wa sanaa ya kuona ambaye kazi yake imejikita kwa kina katika uzoefu wa kibinafsi na utetezi. Kama mtu aliye na ulemavu wa kiungo, mimi hutumia sanaa kukabili dhana potofu, kukuza ujumuishaji, na kuhamasisha mabadiliko. Yaliyokuwa njia ya kujieleza wakati wa utoto—kuchora nyuso za kubuni ili kuungana na ulimwengu unaonizunguka—sasa yamekuwa zana yenye nguvu ya kusimulia hadithi na utetezi wa haki za walemavu.
Sanaa yangu inajulikana kwa kutumia string art (sanaa ya kamba), ambayo ninatumia kama mchanganyiko wa vifaa kwenye mbao, na hivi karibuni zaidi, katika maonyesho ya sanaa. Njia hii ya kipekee inanisaidia kuwasilisha hisia, changamoto, na mafanikio kwa njia inayokazia upendo na utata wa kuishi na ulemavu. Kazi yangu inalenga kubadilisha mitazamo na kuakisi ubunifu na uthabiti unaotokana na uzoefu wangu kama mwanamke mchanga aliye na ulemavu.
Nina motisha kutokana na hamu ya kuandika upya hadithi yangu si kwa ajili yangu tu, bali kwa vizazi vijavyo. Natumai kuwaamsha wasichana kama mimi kuendelea kuota ndoto kubwa. Pia, ninataka kukuza kukubalika, upatikanaji, na uelewano katika jamii zetu. Kwangu, sanaa si tu ya urembo ni jukwaa la mazungumzo, uhamasishaji, na mabadiliko ya kudumu kwa jamii.
The Role of Artists in Tanzanian Leadership
To me, leadership means having a vision, building collaboration, and inspiring transformation. In Tanzania, artists have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to lead conversations, shape societal narratives, and promote cultural identity. We are not just creators; we are storytellers, advocates, and agents of change.
Unfortunately, visual artists in Tanzania are often overlooked despite the transformative power of their work. The art scene is underfunded and lacks proper platforms and recognition. Many artists, myself included, have faced the challenge of pursuing passion in an industry that doesn’t always support us.
But art matters. Artists reflect our history, culture, and social realities. We bring light to issues like inequality, poverty, and accessibility. Our voices deserve to be heard. We need more investment in creative education, galleries, and mentorships. By uplifting Tanzanian artists, we amplify the nation’s collective voice and strengthen our social fabric.
Uwepo wa Wasanii katika Uongozi wa Tanzania
Kwangu, uongozi unamaanisha kuwa na maono, kujenga ushirikiano, na kuchochea mabadiliko. Tanzania, wasanii wana fursa ya kipekee na wajibu wa kuongoza mazungumzo, kuunda simulizi za kijamii, na kukuza utambulisho wa kitamaduni. Sisi si watengenezaji tu; ni wasimuliaji hadithi, watetezi, na wachochezi wa mabadiliko.
Kwa bahati mbaya, wasanii wa sanaa ya kuona Tanzania mara nyingi hupuuzwa licha ya nguvu ya mabadiliko ya kazi zao. Tasnia ya sanaa haipati fedha za kutosha na inakosa majukwaa na utambuzi wa kufaa. Wasanii wengi, mimi pia, tumekumbana na chango ya kufuata shauku katika tasnia ambayo haijawahi kutusaidia.
Lakini sanaa ni muhimu. Wasanii wanaakisi historia, tamaduni, na hali za kijamii. Sisi tunaangazia masuala kama ukosefu wa usawa, umaskini, na upatikanaji wa huduma. Sauti zetu zinastahili kusikika. Tunahitaji uwekezaji zaidi katika elimu ya ubunifu, maonyesho ya sanaa, na uongozi wa kitaaluma. Kwa kuinua wasanii wa Tanzania, tunaimarisha sauti ya taifa na kuunganisha jamii yetu.
Art and Civic Engagement: A Powerful Pairing
Artists and the creative industry play a vital role in civic engagement. Our work brings human emotion to civic challenges and builds bridges between communities. We tell stories that need to be heard—about justice, inclusion, and resilience.
Through initiatives like my own, Beyond the Label, I use art to challenge social perceptions and foster more inclusive communities. We can be creative catalysts for policy reform, cultural diplomacy, and community development. By blending creativity with civic responsibility, artists become powerful leaders in building a better future.
Sanaa na Ushiriki wa Kiraia: Muungano Wenye Nguvu
Wasanii na tasnia ya ubunifu wana jukumu muhimu katika ushiriki wa kiraia. Kazi yetu huleta hisia za kibinadamu kwenye changamoto za kijamii na kujenga vijiti vya mawasiliano kati ya jamii mbalimbali. Sisi tunasimulia hadithi ambazo zinahitaji kusikika, kuhusu haki, ujumuishaji, na uthabiti.
Kupitia miradi kama yangu ya Beyond the Label, mimi hutumia sanaa kukabili mitazamo ya kijamii na kukuza jamii zinazowakaribisha wote. Tunaweza kuwa chanzo cha ubunifu katika mabadiliko ya sera, diplomasia ya kitamaduni, na maendeleo ya jamii. Kwa kuchanganya ubunifu na wajibu wa kiraia, wasanii wanakuwa viongozi wenye nguvu katika kujenga mustakabali bora.
My Mandela Washington Fellowship Experience
Becoming a Mandela Washington Fellow (MWF) was a life-changing experience. I had the incredible opportunity to connect with amazing individuals and study at Louisiana State University, where I explored the School of Art—a place I now envision for my future studies.
What stood out most to me was the intentional design of accessible learning environments for people with disabilities. It was empowering to see inclusion in action at such a high level.
My motivation to apply stemmed from a desire to explore how art intersects with civic engagement and to challenge myself in a new environment. The fellowship expanded my worldview and encouraged me to dream bigger. It gave me new tools to deepen the impact of Beyond the Label and further shape my work as both an artist and advocate.
Uzoefu Wangu Mandela Washington Fellowship
Kupata nafasi ya kuwa Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) ilikuwa mabadiliko makubwa maishani mwangu. Nilipata fursa ya kipekee ya kujihusisha na watu wenye kuvutia na kusoma katika Chuo Kikuu cha Louisiana State, ambapo nilifahamu Shule ya Sanaa mahali ambapo sasa ninaota kusoma katika siku zijazo.
Kitu kilichonivutia zaidi ni jinsi mazingira ya kielimu yalivyobuniwa kwa makusudi kwaajili ya watu wenye ulemavu. Ilikuwa yenye kuvumilisha kuona ujumuishaji unafanyika kwa kiwango cha juu kama hicho.
Motisha yangu ya kutumia ilitokana na hamu ya kuchunguza jinsi sanaa inavyoungana na ushiriki wa kiraia, na pia kujijaribu katika mazingira mapya. Mandela Washington Fellowship ilipanua mtazamo wangu wa dunia na kunifariji kuota ndoto kubwa zaidi. Ulinipa zana mpya za kuimarisha athari ya Beyond the Label na kuendelea kuboresha kazi yangu kama msanii na mtetezi.
Three Key Takeaways from the Fellowship
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone I learned the value of taking risks and embracing the unfamiliar. Growth happens when we challenge ourselves.
No Contribution Is Too Small Every action matters. Even the smallest efforts can create ripples of change, especially when we work together.
Stay Grounded in Your Values and Dreams Staying true to my core beliefs has helped me maintain purpose and authenticity in everything I do.
Mafunzo Matatu Muhimu kutoka kwa Mandela Washington Fellowship
Ondoka Katika Eneo Lako la Utulivu Nilijifunza umuhimu wa kujihatarisha na kukumbatia yale nisiyoyajua. Ukuaji hutokea tunapojipa changamoto.
Mchango Yoyote Ni Muhimu Kila hatua ni muhimu. Hata juhudi ndogo zaidi zinaweza kuleta mabadiliko, haswa tunapofanya kazi pamoja..
Kaa katika Misingi ya Maadili na Ndoto zako
Kuwa mwaminifu kwa imani yangu thabiti kumenisaidia kudumisha kusudi na uhalisia katika kila kitu ninachofanya.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on my journey so far—with AC4D, as an artist, and as a Mandela Washington Fellow—I feel incredibly grateful and inspired. Art has given me a voice, and I intend to use it to challenge, connect, and transform. My hope is to continue building inclusive spaces, nurturing creative voices, and empowering the next generation of storytellers—because our narratives matter.
Kuangazia Mbele Ninapofikiria kuhusu safari yangu hadi sasa—na AC4D, kama msanii, na kama Fellow wa Mandela Washington—nahisi shukrani kubwa na hamasa. Sanaa imenipa sauti, na nina nia ya kuitumia kwa changamoto, kuunganisha, na kubadilisha. Natumaini kuendelea kujenga mazingira ya ujumuishaji, kukuza sauti za ubunifu, na kuwawezesha kizazi kijacho cha wasimuliaji hadithi kwa sababu simulizi zetu zina maana.
