Nairobi, 11th August 2024
County Executive Committee Member for Inclusivity, Public Participation and Customer Service Ms. Rosemary Kariuki accompanied by her counterpart Dr. Anastasia Nyalita, previously in charge of the sector, had a multisectoral convening with the GoDown arts Centre in a partnership meant for implementation of a flagship project for the culture, arts and tourism sub-sector which is the GoDown arts and culture complex, a game changer for Nairobi City County.
The two County Executives were briefed on the project that will strengthen the position of Nairobi City as a premier tourists destination through the addition of an attractive civic-scale cultural building with vibrant cultural programming. The County of Nairobi partnered with the GoDown arts Centre through the UNESCO-ASCHBERG Program aimed at strengthening the cultural sector through strong regulatory framework, mapping and capacity building.
Ms. Kariuki who recently took over from Dr. Nyalita appreciated the efforts made by the sub sector in strengthening the cultural sector and putting in place strong regulatory frameworks, mapping and capacity building through the UNESCO – ASCHERG program. She said, “We are delighted to partner with GoDown Arts Centre because we are extremely invested in understanding what the county has to offer as far as culture and tourism are concerned. Today we hope that with the understanding of this project we will be able to support the people on the ground for the purposes of improving our cultural heritage and also contribute to growth of the City’s economy through new and augmented cultural tourism products and experiences.”
Dr. Nyalita who launched the project back in December 2023 said, “The County is committed to the protection, promotion and safe guarding of all types of culture, heritage and creativity. As a vital creative hub, this complex will directly provide capacity building opportunities and market access for the creative economy. The retail, hospitality and recreational amenities associated with the new Complex will also contribute to the socio-economic revitalization of the neighborhood. We are working to ensuring that all creative talents and our culture is preserved.”
Also present was the Executive Director GoDown Arts Centre Ms. Joy Mboya who expressed the importance of the project in identifying the opportunities available not only for the county’s economic development but also for the purposes of strengthening policy.
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