We here at Project Diaspora believe that the real hope for change in Uganda and the rest of Africa lies with its people both at home and in the Diaspora. So it was with no small amount of excitement that we listened to Fred Mutebi talk about the program he started about a year ago. Let Art Talk. Its stated mission is to “To take Art to the grass roots communities as well as ensure that Art is used as a vehicle for constructive change in the lives of ordinary Ugandans.”

Their in school programs, workshops, art competitions, and focus on preservation of local crafts have lead to a broad and deep program with alot to offer the children lucky enough to be part of the program. Combining art therapy, art teaching, and creativity has made this program really unique. Children might paint, draw, learn print making, bark cloth making, papermaking, envrio-brick techniques and much much more.

Right now they have art centers in:

GULU ART CENTER
Working in the schools (Laroo School of War Affected children, and Ajulu primary school, Hope North Primary school, Masindi) and IDP camps.

KAMPALA ART CENTER
Administrative office and exchange office. Currently Using Mutebi’s and art studio and home.

MASAKA ART CENTER
Tree planting and Art workshops in schools.

As well as an exchange program hosted at the Kampala Art Center

Visiting artists and volunteers and students from all Art Centers throughout Uganda gather together to learn from each other. This will curb discrimination along cultural lines thus creating unity in diversity. During the visit, the visiting communities will be involved in the various activities of the host community. Reciprocally, LAT organizes trips for selected youth to visit similarly organized groups in other parts of Uganda.

It is worth mentioning that this organization is currently without funding. He has chosen to give back quite a bit that he has had the good fortune to earn over the years because he believes in the future of Uganda and the power of information, connection, community and most of all self expression. It has been said a thousand times and in many ways it is trite and tired… but it is true. The children are the future. What the future becomes depends on what we invest in these kids.

We also though you would like to see the work that these children are producing through this program. Here are just a few examples of the truly amazing pieces these children a generating through the work that Fred Mutebi and his organization are doing.