Library Update! Exciting Progress!

We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news about our library! Thanks to our amazing Toonda team, we’ve made significant strides in transforming the interior.

With lots of love and creativity, we’ve painted the walls, featuring a stunning bird mural by Carol and vibrant patterns on a lovely blue wall.

Now that the inside is nearly complete, we’re moving on to furnishing the space to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for everyone while we’re waiting for the books. from books2africa. Plus, we’re in the process of finishing up the outside porch, which will be a perfect spot for reading and relaxation.

We’re so excited about these developments and can’t wait to welcome you all! If you’d like to support our efforts, we would greatly appreciate donations and book contributions. Together, we can make our library a vibrant community hub!

Thank you for your support!

LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY!

Empower Your Artistic Journey with Toonda!

We are excited to share that we recently held our first workshop on Artist Statements! With a dedicated group of participants, we dove deep into the process in a supportive and collaborative environment. The energy was incredible, and everyone left with a solid draft of their artist statement, ready for polishing and professional feedback.

Workshop Highlights

  • Cost: 20,000 UGX for a single workshop or join our annual membership for 50,000 UGX.
  • Membership Perks:
    • Access to 4 online workshops per year
    • Free entry to the Toonda Library, featuring over 1,000 art books
    • 3 free nights at Toondahouse each year

Next Workshop

🗓️ Creating and Curating Your Portfolio
📍 Date: December 3rd
🕖 Time: 7-9 PM
DM us for more details!

Since our founding in 2018, Toonda has been committed to fostering art, culture, and education in our local community, located 30km outside Fort Portal. This year, we are thrilled to expand our offerings with a series of online workshops, talks, and networking events designed to strengthen the East African artistic community.

Upcoming Workshops

  • Writing and Optimizing Artist Statements
  • Creating and Curating a Professional Portfolio
  • Finding and Applying for Residencies and Grants
  • Building and Maintaining a Network in the Art World

Why These Workshops Matter

Our workshops focus on equipping artists with the skills to present their work effectively. Crafting a compelling artist statement and portfolio is vital for accessing funding and residency opportunities while staying true to your unique artistic vision. Participants will receive valuable feedback from industry professionals, helping them refine their work even further.

Toonda is more than just a platform for artistic growth; it’s a vibrant community where artists support one another and build meaningful connections. Join us on this exciting journey to elevate East African art on the global stage!

If you’re interested in participating, email us at info@toonda.org to secure your spot—spaces are limited, so apply early! Let’s create art that resonates worldwide! 🎨✨

LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY!

Support the future – support a school going child

✨Every end of term our Smart Kyakataama kids from our program for sponsoring school-going children in Kyakataama are having their big moment of truth when they hand Zungu their reports.

😎 out of 78 children in Primary and Senior schools, we’re having 12 kids on 1st position in their classes, the remaining 66 kids are above average.

🥰 This year 2 will finish Senior 6 and are running for scholarships for university and 2 will finish P7.

💋 a big thank you to our supporters and sponsors for their love for our kids!

🙏🏽 donate to Toonda to support education in our area from sending kids to school to building a library as the new community hub! 👉🏾 donation / spenden

🩷 Love your community 🩷

Professional Art Development: Toonda’s Online Workshops and Talks

Empower Your Artistic Journey with Toonda

Since 2018, Toonda has been dedicated to supporting art, culture, women, and education within our local community, 30km outside of Fort Portal. From the beginning, we have welcomed artists from around the world as part of our residencies, and now we’re expanding our reach even further. This year, we are excited to launch a series of online workshops, talks, and networking opportunities to strengthen connections and elevate the east african artistic community.

What Toonda Offers:

  • Online Workshops: A variety of online workshops focused on key aspects of professional artistic development, each 2 hours evening online-workshops for 20,000 UGX.
  • Annual Membership: For 50,000 UGX, members receive access to four 2-hour online workshops, plus exclusive content and networking opportunities.
  • Online Talks, Q&A Sessions, and Lectures: Coming soon, these sessions will feature discussions and presentations from renowned artists, galleries, and art educators, providing a platform for global engagement.
  • In-Person Networking Opportunities: Participate in larger meetups at Toonda and in Kampala to build your network and collaborate in person.

Upcoming Workshops:

Writing and Optimizing Artist Statements

Creating and Curating a Professional Portfolio

Finding and Applying for Residencies and Grants

Building and Maintaining a Network in the Art World

Why These Workshops Matter:

These workshops are designed to aid in the professionalization of individual artists. Learning to present yourself effectively with a compelling artist statement and a professional portfolio is crucial for success. These tools will help you apply for funding and residencies confidently, allowing you to stay true to your artistic vision while finding your market. With our workshops just beginning, it’s an exciting opportunity to join from the start and contribute to a vibrant artistic community.

Workshop Details:

  1. Writing and Optimizing Artist Statements
    • Purpose and Impact: Discover the importance of an artist statement and its role in influencing your audience, from viewers to curators.
    • Crafting Your Statement: Get step-by-step guidance to clearly articulate your artistic vision, inspirations, and practices.
    • Live Review Session: Engage in a feedback session to refine your statement with input from peers and instructors.
  2. Creating and Curating a Professional Portfolio
    • Selecting Your Best Work: Learn how to choose works that best represent your artistic identity and achievements.
    • Portfolio Design: Receive tips on creating a visually appealing portfolio, focusing on layout, image quality, and formatting for both print and digital formats.
    • Effective Presentation: Discover strategies for presenting your portfolio to galleries, clients, and on digital platforms.
  3. Finding and Applying for Residencies and Grants
    • Researching Opportunities: Learn how to identify artist residencies and grant opportunities that match your artistic goals.
    • Crafting a Compelling Application: Understand the key elements of a strong application, including writing persuasive project proposals and compiling necessary documentation.
    • Maintaining Professional Relationships: Explore best practices for following up and maintaining connections with residency and grant organizations.
  4. Building and Maintaining a Network in the Art World
    • Networking Strategies: Develop techniques for creating meaningful connections with curators, galleries, and fellow artists.
    • Sustaining Professional Relationships: Learn how to nurture and maintain these connections over time.
    • Using Online Tools: Leverage social media and professional networks to expand your visibility and opportunities in the art world.

Toonda is more than just a platform for artistic growth; it’s a community where artists come together to support and uplift each other. By participating in our workshops and talks, you’ll be part of a collective effort to bring East African art to the global stage.

Get Involved

Interested in joining our workshops or learning more? Email us at info@toonda.org to secure your spot and start your journey with Toonda. Let’s make art that resonates worldwide!

LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY!

Artists in Residence Irene Jenilla and Kisekka Samson

We’re welcoming Irene and Samson at Toonda as our artists in residence who will offer and share their knowledge about art 🤩

Irene Jenilla

Program Irene

Tuesday from 2-4pm art@trading center kyakataama – workshop for kids

Wednesday and Thursday from 2-4pm art@Toonda stage – workshop for kids

Friday from 4-6pm art@women empowerment – workshop for women at Toonda

Kids activities on Saturday – art and upcycle from 2-4pm at Toonda

Saturday from 6.30-8pm girl movie night at Toonda library – Girls only!

Sunday from 4-6pm art@Gaia in Fort Portal.

All workshops and events are free of charge!

Kisekka Samson

Program Samson

Tuesday at 6.30pm movie@ Toonda curated by Samson

Wednesday to Friday digital art@ Toonda office – please sign up for Group 1 (2.30- 4pm) or Group 2 (5.30-7pm)! Limited spots! Laptop and software will be provided. Age: 15+

Saturday from 4-6pm digital art and movie making for all interested people.

Sunday from 2-4pm art@Gaia in Fort Portal.

All workshops are free of charge!

LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY ❤️

Exclusive Online Workshop: NGO Founding for Women –From Vision to Impact

Date: November 23rd + 24th
Location: Online

  • Do you have a desire to start your own NGO because you see where and how you can make an impact?
  • Are you searching the internet and asking friends how to register an organization and get it up and running?
  • Are your hands-on information lacking, and you wonder why it’s so hard to set up something good?
  • How can your NGO financially survive?
  • What do you need to consider?

If these questions are on your mind, then my exclusive online workshop is perfect for you!

In this intensive one-weekend-workshop, designed specifically for a small group of dedicated women, I offer not empty words but hands-on examples and concrete applications to turn your NGO idea into reality.

What to Expect:

  • Practical Lecture: I will provide you with a clear, actionable guide based on my own NGO (www.toonda.org) for starting an international NGO. No theoretical concepts, just practical steps that you can implement immediately.
  • Individual Consultation: Your idea is the focus! I will analyze each participant’s idea and provide tailored advice to ensure your vision is effectively implemented.
  • Sponsorship and Fundraising: I will share concrete tips and strategies for attracting sponsors and effective fundraising. No clichés, just proven methods that work.
  • Networking and Grant Platforms: Discover which platforms can help you network and apply for grants, and learn how to use them effectively.
  • Writing Grant Proposals: I will provide a step-by-step guide to writing successful grant proposals that make an impact.
  • Cost Overview: I will give you a detailed overview of the expected costs, so you know exactly what to budget for.

This workshop offers you not just valuable insights but also concrete tools and strategies to give your NGO real impact. Let’s work together on your vision and ensure that your NGO is not just an empty promise but truly makes a difference.

Sign up now to secure your spot in this practical, small-group workshop. I’m excited to offer you the kind of workshop I wish I’d had when I was starting out. Let’s work together to ensure you have a successful beginning on your journey to founding your own NGO!

Dates:

November 23rd, 2024, Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM and 4 PM – 6 PM
and November 24th, 2024, Sunday: 10 AM – 2 PM

Program:

November 23:
10-12 AM: Practical lecture with cost overview
12 PM – 2 PM: Presenting your future NGO
2-4 PM: Lunch break
4-6 PM: Money questions – about Sponsorship, Fundraising, Networking, and Grant Platforms

November 24:
10 AM – 12 PM: Individual Consultations
12 PM – 2 PM: Writing a successful Grant Proposal

Location: Online

Cost: $ 250/ Reduced $ 150
Discounts for group registrations.

Contact rayka_kobiella@protonmail.com to reserve your spot.

The costs for the workshop will directly benefit the Toonda Cultural Community Center. We are currently building a library, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards this project. Thank you for your support!

About Me:

I am an author and activist, as well as the founder and director of the Toonda Cultural Community Center NGO in Uganda and a board member of Toonda e.V. Germany, both running since 2018. I have been deeply committed to advancing art, education, and social empowerment in Uganda and East Africa. My extensive experience in sponsorship, fundraising, grant writing, planning, organization, and implementation is supported by a solid academic background, including studies in Ethnology, Literature & Theater Studies, and a qualification in Cultural Management. These academic and practical qualifications enable me to provide you with well-founded and effective strategies for your NGO’s establishment. Leverage my knowledge and experiences—along with the lessons learned from my own mistakes—to guide you towards success. Together, we will bring your vision to life and ensure your NGO makes a real impact!

Rayka Kobiella

Invitation:
If you’re in Fort Portal, Uganda, I warmly invite you to join me at Toonda Cultural Community Center for a Q&A session following the workshop. We’ll gather at 3 PM on Sunday, November 24th, and enjoy some local cake and tea together in our library.