DAR ES SALAAM's renowned contemporary art centre and creative hub, Nafasi Art Space, has launched the sixth edition of its initiative, known as the Feel Free grant and incubation.

The initiative, as per Nafasi Art Space managing director Lilian Hypolite, is one of the main programs coordinated by the centre, seeking to boost artists' excellence and offer an opportunity for them to freely create and realise their ideas.

The centre's statement said that 15–18 projects will be shortlisted this time around, with each selected project receiving 18m/- to 30m/- to implement creative initiatives that positively impact Tanzanian artists and audiences.

Tanzania’s artistic landscape, as the centre revealed in the statement, is rich and diverse, and it continues its mission to strengthen a resilient, creative ecosystem in line with its 2021–26 Strategic Plan.

Through skills development, network building, and wider public engagement, the institution aims to empower artists and expand support for the arts sector. The deadline for applications, as stated by Nafasi Art Space in the statement, is February 13, 2026. The centre further noted in the statement that the initiative secures support from the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

Tanzanian visual artists who are eager to access financial backing for their projects are, the statement added, required to visit the centre's website, nafasiartspace.org, for application procedures.

The 2025 Feel Free grant and incubation initiative has supported 10 local artists, who delved into a host of worthy creative projects. Felix Mochira, the season's Feel Free Grant coordinator, confirmed that it attracted 10 artists, while the previous year's initiative had eight.

Mochira pointed out that the grant funding is designed to encourage artists, culture practitioners, organisations and institutions from all artistic disciplines, who love to create and connect with art without inhibiting restrictions on either themes or topics driven by external influences.

The beneficiaries of the 2025 Feel Free Incubation Grant and their respective projects were J&LK Investment (Mzizini), Nipael Foundation (People With Disabilities' empowerment through arts), Aurelio Mofuga (Sculptures of light), Omary Baajun (Art of Siti), and Elisante Mola (Kulikoni).

Fred Halla (Cheche), Nathan Mpangala (Ufunguo), Nickson Kimaro (Kanga narratives), Masoud Ibrahim (Vinyago vibes), and Amina Lukanza (Huo), are the other beneficiaries.

Nafasi Art Space, through the Nafasi Academy, is, moreover, launching a new cohort of visual artists.

The centre stressed that the program is open to all visual art enthusiasts, whether they are already practising painting, illustration, photography, sculpture, textile art, or they happen to be complete beginners who simply want to grow into visual artists.

The institution's year-long Visual Arts Program, it said, is free, fully funded by the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania and the Royal Norwegian Embassy. According to the centre, there are extremely few spots for the platform, which are so far 20.

Shortlisted applicants, the centre disclosed, will be invited for an oral interview, stressing that artists should not take long to submit their applications. The program, as per Nafasi Art Space, has been slated to run from February 2026 to December 2026 and applications are set to close on January 6, 2026.

Meanwhile, Nafasi Art Space is lately hosting an exhibition by a domestic artist, Gallus Balthazar, at the centre's venue at Mikocheni. The centre noted in a statement that Balthazar is exhibiting a 60 x 80 cm acrylic on canvas work titled 'Nocturnal 2023'.

Balthazar, Nafasi Art Space pointed out, began his artistic journey in childhood, developing a passion for painting at a young age. The artist's interests span a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and still life. His work reflects a deep appreciation for various forms of art, showcasing his versatility and skill across multiple genres.