Founded in 2019 by Kenyan independent curator Thaddeus Wamukoya (Tewas Art), TEWASART AND PATRONS is a dynamic platform that supports and promotes emerging contemporary artists from East Africa and across the continent to a broader audience.

This initiative is much needed at a time when contemporary African art is
increasingly gaining visibility on mainstream global platforms. Unlike more
established contemporary African art markets, such as those in South Africa and West Africa, the East African region has lagged due to limited resources, infrastructure, and platforms for showcasing art, as well as a lack of a stronger and more inclusive system of gallery representation.

Through an organic and personal curatorial approach, TEWASART AND PATRONS organizes pop-up exhibitions and publishes contemporary art stories and online catalogues that connect emerging East African contemporary artists to a broader network of international curators, galleries, collectors, and institutions. Our publications aim to share the modern, unconventional, and diverse ideas of our artists with a broader audience. These stories aim to create and open a map of contemporary East African art and the artists’ journeys.

In its short history, TEWASART AND PATRONS has become a thriving platform, facilitating critical engagement with both local and global art markets. Through our team’s dedication, innovative curatorial approach, and experience, we continue to engage with more artists and advisors to develop the creative industry as a whole.