OVER 300 artists, curators, cultural managers and arts enthusiasts from across the continent have gathered in Dar es Salaam for the third edition of Tukutane Dar Arts Week, a vibrant festival running from November 24 to 30.

Lilin Hypolite, Managing Director of Nafasi Art Space, said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the event serves as a biannual arts conference and a citywide cultural celebration aimed at strengthening collaboration among arts professionals in Tanzania, Africa and beyond.

She noted that the gathering creates a unique platform for artists, curators, cultural managers, students and arts lovers to reflect, exchange ideas and imagine new approaches for building a resilient, dynamic and well-connected arts and culture ecosystem.

This year’s theme, “Cross-Border Collaboration for Private Sector Growth,” underscores the growing importance of regional partnerships in expanding the creative and cultural industries across the continent.

Hypolite explained that cross-border cooperation not only helps broaden markets for African artists but also enhances innovation, skills development and cultural exchange.

The week-long festival features a rich programme designed to engage diverse audiences.

 Activities include workshops, master-classes, panel discussions, exhibitions, film screenings, artistic showcases and wellness sessions.

 Other highlights are cultural tours, community evening gatherings and interactive academic forums at the University of Dar es Salaam.

The programme aims to provide both emerging and established artists with opportunities to learn, share experiences and strengthen their artistic practice.

“True measures of development lies in building positive, mutually beneficial relationships that help the arts sector grow. This is what Nafasi Art Space and its partners continue to champion through the 2025 Tukutane Dar Art Week,” Hypolite said.

Senior Arts Officer at the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA), Abel Ndega, urged Tanzanians to seize the opportunities presented by the growing creative platforms in the country.

 He emphasized that improved systems and structures within the creative industry have the potential to boost the economy, build capacity, strengthen networks and enable meaningful exchange between local practitioners and international experts.

Ndega said the arts and culture sector plays a crucial role in creating employment for individuals, groups and communities, while also contributing to national development.

 He noted that a strong and organized creative sector helps position Tanzanian artists on global stages, enhancing the country’s reputation through cultural excellence.

“I encourage professionals, artists and everyone engaged in creative work to participate actively in this festival so they can exchange knowledge with experts from abroad,” he said.

 Ndega also urged young people not to dismiss the arts, stressing that the sector offers viable career paths, economic opportunities and platforms for self-expression and innovation.