The Kenya Cultural Centre incorporating the Kenya National Theatre is set to host a celebration of World Arts Day in Nakuru County, spotlighting the power of creativity to inspire, empower, and transform communities. The event is scheduled for 14th and 15th April 2025 at the Nakuru showground.
World Arts Day, celebrated globally every April 15th, honors the profound role of the arts in shaping inclusive and culturally rich societies. Nakuru County, known for its cultural diversity and emerging creative voices, was selected as the ideal host for this year’s national celebration.
Organized under the theme “Empowering Communities Through Creativity”, the event will bring together artists, cultural workers, and communities to celebrate artistic excellence and promote cultural heritage. The event will feature a wide array of creative expressions to highlight the incredible range and richness of Kenya’s artistic landscape.
To heighten the excitement and impact of the celebrations, competitions in poetry, dance, monologues, music, deejay sets, acrobatics, percussion, visual arts, culinary arts, fashion and short films will be held, with preliminary rounds taking place on 14th April 2025.
The grand finale and awarding ceremony will be held on 15th April 2025 where winners in each category will receive a cash prize of Ksh. 100,000.
Beyond the performances, the event will offer workshops and forums that delve into key areas such as art entrepreneurship, youth talent development, and cultural preservation. These sessions are designed to provide artists with practical tools, knowledge, and networks to help them grow their craft, improve their livelihoods, and access both local and international markets.
Hosting the World Arts Day celebrations in Nakuru is expected to bring numerous benefits. The initiative will empower artists by equipping them with the skills and resources needed to professionalize and monetize their work. It will also contribute to the growth of the creative economy, enhancing its role in national development. The celebration will spotlight both contemporary and traditional art forms, promoting cultural preservation and reinforcing pride in Kenya’s heritage.
Additionally, the event will boost cultural tourism by attracting visitors and arts enthusiasts to Nakuru, supporting the local hospitality and transport industries. It will also foster collaboration among artists, institutions, and stakeholders in the creative sector, while embracing digital platforms to expand the reach and visibility of Kenyan art on a global scale.
As the government continues to champion the creative industries through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) by creating meaningful opportunities for economic empowerment within the creative sector. The upcoming World Art Day celebrations in Nakuru County promise to be a powerful platform for showcasing talent, empowering communities, and reinforcing the transformative role of the arts in national development.
