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!