From April 24 to May 1, 2025, Ubunifu Lamu and AKNEYE hosted a dynamic week-long program in Shela, Mararani village, Lamu—bringing together local youth, contemporary art practices, and digital tools to explore new forms of creative expression.
Founded by Nyambura Beatrice Wahu in 2020, Ubunifu Lamu has grown into a vital community space for children and teens. This latest initiative, developed in collaboration with Kenyan artist Alpha Odh, introduced twenty young participants to both analog and digital storytelling. Each child created work on AKNEYE’s miniature eye-shaped canvases, the AKNULOONKS, using them as surfaces to express their vision.
The program went further: the children were guided through the process of digitizing their work and preparing it for listing on the ftNFT marketplace, giving them a firsthand introduction to Web3 and NFTs. Proceeds from these sales will go directly toward sustaining the Ubunifu Lamu Art Center and supporting the daily lives of the children.
Highlights of the week included:
Fastex Meetup (April 25) – a lecture on NFTs and digital inclusion.
AKNEYE Workshop (April 26-April 29) – a multi full-day session where the children completed their work on the eye-shaped canvases.
This collaboration marks a meaningful step for Ubunifu Lamu, giving the children new ways to share their perspectives with the world, while ensuring continued support for their daily needs.