"If we don’t advocate for our ocean's well-being, by the close of this century, it could be hot, sour, and breathless," ~ Martina ~."
Bahari Huru (Swahili for ‘Free Ocean’) is a socially conscious art project advocating for marine environment protection. The project aims at building a coastal community that is more aware of the effects of pollution and climate change on the marine environment. This project is a platform for artists to create provocative performances and art installations that speak out against ocean pollution, ignite conversations, and challenge communities to take action.
This annual project involves an art residency and a 10-day community festival. We have worked with over 40 artists coming together to create artwork and showcase it through the Bahari Huru Festival that has seen over 7000 people attending in 7 beach communities in Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi county. The artwork is also showcased virtually reaching an audience of over 1,021,754 viewers, and was also featured at the COP-26 in 2021. We installed 12 dustbins in 12 beach access points in Mombasa all in an effort to curb plastic pollution in our ocean. Over the 3 editions, the project was made possible through sponsorships and partnerships from organizations including Kenya Maritime Authority, Base Titanium, Tourism Fund, Chloride Exide, ISCOS, Regional Logistics Centre, Afro Urban society, Crown Paints, Nation Media Group, County Government of Mombasa among others.
The live play at Fort Jesus in July was a mesmerizing journey into our roots. It was as if our ancestors were speaking to us through the performance. A truly unforgettable experience.
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The Chimdzi Midzi project not only brought our cultural stories to life but also connected us to our identity in a profound way. The live play was a testament to the power of preserving heritage through art
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