Wawire Renee and Bruce Jabali were among creators who participated in the first edition of The Fisherman’s Art Workshop and Civic Engagement, where they joined fellow creatives to exchange ideas, gain exposure and explore ways of turning creativity into sustainable economic opportunities.

‎‎The workshop, held brought together content creators, fashion designers, musicians, filmmakers and artists, who were taken through topics including digitisation, content creation and monetisation.

‎‎For Renee, a content creator, the workshop provided an opportunity to network with creatives who have advanced further in their careers, while learning from their experiences, challenges and the strategies they used to overcome them.

‎‎She notes that the lessons gathered during the session would be impactful as she continues developing her creative journey, with her biggest takeaway being the need for dedication, hard work and patience.

Wawire Renee a content creator, says the workshop provided an opportunity to network with creative

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

‎‎“My biggest lesson is it takes dedication and work, and a lot, a lot of time to be able to get to where you actually want to be,” Renee says.

‎‎Jabali, a fashion designer and creative from Nakuru, describes the event as an important opportunity for creatives, saying he had gained lessons on the importance of community, having agreements when working with clients and understanding the business side of creativity.

‎‎“I’ve learnt the importance of community, the importance of having agreements when working with clients. I’ve understood the business side of my creativity,” Jabali says.

Bruce Jabali, a fashion designer says he gained lessons on the importance of community.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

‎‎He further calls for more engagements of a similar nature, noting that Nakuru’s creative industry needs increased access to information and exposure to other creatives.

‎‎He says such platforms could help creatives learn from one another and develop their careers. “What we lack as creatives in Nakuru is information and exposure to other creatives as well,” he said.

‎‎Meanwhile, Tribeless Youth Organization Executive Director Shiko Kihika challenges creatives to maximise the various platforms available to them as technology continues to reshape the creative industry.

‎‎She observes that the intersection of technology and art gives creatives room to challenge existing norms.

Tribeless Youth Organization Executive Director Shiko Kihika poses for a photo during the interview.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

‎‎Kihika explains that the workshop was part of buildup activities ahead of the Uwazi Festival, scheduled for today.

‎‎Music giant Costa Ojwang’, urges creatives to think beyond conventional creative practices in an evolving social media landscape. He encourages them to build teams, and explore alternative income streams.

‎‎“Creatives need to think out of the box without necessarily confining themselves to the creative norms. If art is not bringing in enough money find something else to do to complement the earnings from art,” Ojwang’ says.

‎‎He further emphasizes the importance of unity among creatives, noting that collaboration could help strengthen the industry.

‎‎The workshop was organised through a collaboration between Tribeless Youth Organization, Baraza Media Lab Nakuru and The Fisherman’s Experience Team.

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WATCH: Nakuru creatives mentored on economic opportunities during Fisherman’s Art Workshop

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Muthoni Wanjiku