What did you achieve during this creative residency? What is the result (created work)?
During this residency, I completed a children’s book, the first of a book series titled The Misadventures of Keerabow. The book was written by me and illustrated by Peter Kasaija. It was also edited by Bob Kisiki.
How do you think these activities contribute to a reflection on today’s world, in relation to the COVID-19 crisis, and/or on the shaping of the future?
These activities relate to the topic of “Thinking the world of tomorrow” in the sense that in the world of tomorrow African children should also be inspired by childhood heroes who look like them. For over a century, animated films have shaped the childhood memories of children all over the world. Children in Europe and North America, though, have had the privilege of recognizing themselves in these characters. This is why Disney princesses, Jasmine, Mulan and Tiana were almost revolutionary for being Middle-Eastern, Chinese and African-American, respectively. Those characters just don’t exist for African children. There is a lack of diverse children’s characters in today’s media such as books, education material, animation and games.
During the Covid 19 lockdown period, our children have been home exposed to Western children’s media. The world of tomorrow includes diverse children’s media which includes home grown local African children’s media. The book created as a result has a strong female hero. This is not a normal occurrence in African tradition which marginalizes girls and women there by perpetuating gender bias and discrimination. In order to fight this, we have to instil in our children from a young age, the belief that whatever boys can do, girls can do.
How did you feel during the residency? And at the end of it?
The grant relieved me of the pressure to survive and I was able to concentrate on my work without worrying about living expenses. I have been able to create the work that I imagined. I am satisfied with the result.
