eace, once a dream born from the ashes of war, has never been more urgent or more fragile. As global tensions rise, resources dwindle, and societies become more divided, the need for voices—especially young voices—that imagine a different future is essential. The German Embassy in Nairobi recognizes this pressing need and is excited to announce #BomoaUkuta2025, a national call to young creatives to join a conversation through art about peace, unity, and security in today’s world.
Why Now?
More than 35 years have passed since the Berlin Wall—a powerful symbol of division—was torn down in 1989. That moment in history was not just about reuniting a country, but about demonstrating the power of people and peaceful movements in breaking down seemingly insurmountable barriers. But new walls have risen. These aren’t always made of concrete—they exist in the form of conflicts, social and economic inequality, environmental challenges, and political instability.
Germany, currently chairing the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission, is committed to continuing its role as a global peace advocate. The country is running for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the 2027/2028 term and recently hosted the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin. These initiatives, alongside the Global Disability Summit co-hosted in April 2025, reflect Germany’s enduring focus on peace, inclusivity, and stability across the globe.
Against this backdrop, the German Embassy in Nairobi is inviting young Kenyan artists to raise their voices through creative expression. Through the initiative #BomoaUkuta2025, we are asking:
What is threatening our peaceful future? How can we build a world free of conflict, hunger, and insecurity? What walls must we break to give everyone a chance at a better life?
Project Title: #BomoaUkuta2025 – Breaking Down Barriers to Peace and Security
Purpose of the Call
To encourage young creatives in Kenya to reflect on and respond artistically to global and local challenges to peace and security. Whether the issue is food insecurity, conflict, poverty, or environmental crisis, we want you to imagine and express what a peaceful world could look like—and what’s standing in the way.
Open Creative Roles – Submit Your Vision
We’re calling on young people aged 15 to 23 to submit original artistic creations under any of the following creative categories:
1. Visual Artist (Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media)
Job Description
Create original artwork that visually captures your vision of peace and the barriers preventing it. Your piece can depict symbolic walls or illustrate positive, peaceful futures. You are encouraged to draw inspiration from real-world issues—war, poverty, injustice, environmental degradation—and reimagine them through your unique lens.
Key Responsibilities
- Submit a high-quality image or scan of your artwork.
- Provide a brief written explanation (100–300 words) of your piece’s message.
- Ensure the work is original and does not include plagiarized content.
- If selected, prepare to present your work at the National Day Reception.
2. Sculptor / Installation Artist
Job Description
Express your vision using three-dimensional forms. Sculptures and installations should creatively represent ideas of peace, conflict, inclusion, or social transformation. Consider recycled materials, symbolic objects, or interactive pieces.
Key Responsibilities
- Submit photographs and/or a short video showcasing the installation or sculpture.
- Include a description (100–300 words) explaining the concept and materials.
- Work must be original and safe for public display.
- If selected, be available to display your piece at the German National Day event.
3. Photographer
Job Description
Tell a story through photography. Capture powerful images that reflect on contemporary peace and security challenges or paint a hopeful picture of a world without them.
Key Responsibilities
- Submit up to 3 original photographs.
- Include a written caption for each photo.
- Must be taken by you (no stock images).
- Be ready to have your photographs exhibited at a public showcase.
4. Filmmaker / Videographer
Job Description
Create a short video or film (maximum 5 minutes) exploring themes of peace, security, or breaking barriers. This can be documentary-style, experimental, animation, or narrative.
Key Responsibilities
- Submit a high-quality video file (MP4 preferred).
- Provide a brief synopsis (up to 300 words).
- Video must include credits and be suitable for public screening.
- Selected films will be featured at the German Embassy and online platforms.
5. Musician / Composer
Job Description
Use music to inspire peace and awareness. Original songs or instrumentals should address the struggle for peace and the vision of a better world.
Key Responsibilities
- Submit an audio or video recording of your song or composition.
- Provide lyrics (if any) and a short description.
- The piece must be your original work.
- Be prepared to perform live or provide additional material if selected.
6. Spoken Word Artist / Poet
Job Description
Deliver powerful words that challenge the norm and inspire peace. Spoken word pieces should reflect current realities or dream up new ones.
Key Responsibilities
- Submit a video recording of your spoken word performance.
- Include a written copy of your poem.
- Originality and clear messaging are essential.
- Your work could be performed at the National Day Reception.
The Power of “Bomoa Ukuta” – Breaking Walls, Building Futures
The title “Bomoa Ukuta”, Swahili for “Tear Down the Wall”, takes direct inspiration from the Berlin Wall’s fall. That historic moment reminds us: the biggest walls are often torn down not by force, but by courage, unity, and creativity.
Today, Kenya—like many parts of the world—faces new challenges:
- Water and food insecurity
- Inter-communal conflict
- Youth unemployment
- Marginalization of people with disabilities
- Political divisions
- Climate-induced stress
Your work can bring visibility to these issues and explore solutions rooted in empathy, justice, and inclusion. Art can inspire action. And young people, more than ever, are the drivers of positive change.
What’s in It for You?
- Selected artworks will be showcased at the German Embassy’s National Day Reception in October 2025—a high-profile diplomatic event.
- Recognition from the German Embassy, including certificates and potential prizes.
- Opportunity to have your work displayed to a national and international audience.
- Be part of a youth-led creative movement championing peace and inclusion.
Who Can Apply?
- Kenyan citizens aged 15 to 23
- Individuals or groups (if submitting as a team, designate one lead contact)
- No formal qualifications required—talent, originality, and passion are key
Deadline
All submissions must be received by June 30, 2025.
How to Apply
- Prepare your submission based on your creative category.
- Fill out the Participation Form (see Terms & Conditions).
- Ensure your entry is submitted by the deadline.
