The German Embassy Nairobi and the German Speaking Evangelical-Lutheran Congregation in Kenya (GSELC) are launching an exciting initiative that brings together artistic expression, cultural diplomacy, and historical ties in the form of a street art competition under the theme “Ushirikiano – Pamoja na tofauti” (Partnership – Together in Diversity).
This unique opportunity calls upon Kenya’s vibrant creative community to visually represent the dynamic, evolving relationship between Germany and Kenya by transforming the Embassy’s outer perimeter wall into a meaningful and enduring public artwork. This competition offers a platform for individual artists or collectives to share their vision, amplify shared values, and contribute to an enduring cultural legacy in Nairobi’s urban landscape.
The German Embassy and the German Church, co-located along Riverside Drive, seek to foster greater public engagement and awareness of their collaborative mission and the strong bilateral relationship that has flourished since Germany first recognized Kenya as a sovereign state in 1963. Through this competition, they hope to turn the outer wall into a vibrant symbol of intercultural exchange, joint action, and mutual respect.
Street Art Competition Overview
Project Title: Street Art Competition – Ushirikiano: Pamoja na tofauti
Location: Outer perimeter wall of the German Embassy Nairobi, Riverside Drive
Organizer: The German Embassy Nairobi in collaboration with the German Speaking Evangelical-Lutheran Congregation in Kenya (GSELC)
Application Deadline: 30 June 2025
Award Amount: KSh 350,000 (covers all design and material costs)
Project Background
The German Church acquired the Riverside Drive property in 1967 and constructed a large office building in the early 2000s. Since 2003, this site has hosted the German Embassy, an important node of German-Kenyan diplomatic relations. The building is named after Ludwig Krapf, a pioneering German missionary and linguist known for authoring the first Swahili dictionary and grammar book.
GSELC, the Embassy’s landlord and neighbor, is a welcoming multicultural congregation deeply integrated with the expatriate and broader Kenyan communities. With cooperative outreach across Nairobi and upcountry—including neighborhoods like Kayole and Kibera—the Church represents a bridge between cultures and a platform for inclusive dialogue.
This collaborative spirit is what the mural seeks to embody.
Scope of Work
Design Task:
Applicants are expected to create visual concepts for 10 fibre cement boards, each with an area of 3.82 square meters (dimensions: 3.18m x 1.2m). These boards will be installed along the Embassy’s exterior wall facing Riverside Drive and must be painted on-site. A working platform will be provided.
Artistic Theme:
“Ushirikiano – Pamoja na tofauti”
Designs should creatively express the presence of both the German Embassy and the German Church in Kenya. Artists are encouraged to explore and reflect the multifaceted nature of German-Kenyan relations, including but not limited to:
- Cultural exchange and linguistic bridges (e.g., Ludwig Krapf’s Swahili contributions)
- Joint climate action and environmental cooperation
- Support for multilateralism and international collaboration (especially with the UN)
- The collaboration between GSELC and the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC)
- Social and community engagement in informal settlements and rural areas
- Symbols of unity, diversity, faith, sustainability, and intercultural harmony
Creative Resources:
Participants can draw inspiration from the websites of the:
- German Embassy Nairobi: www.nairobi.diplo.de
- German Church Nairobi (GSELC): https://kirchenairobi.org
Job Description: Artist or Artist Collective
Role:
To conceptualize and execute a culturally resonant, visually compelling street art mural across ten panels on the German Embassy’s external wall.
Key Responsibilities:
- Submit an initial draft concept reflecting the competition theme by the application deadline
- If shortlisted, present and discuss the design with the Embassy-Church selection panel in July 2025
- Upon selection, complete the mural on-site by 30 September 2025
- Coordinate material use and execution timeline with Embassy staff
- Ensure quality, durability, and safety standards are met during the design process
Deliverables:
- A cohesive mural design across all 10 fibre cement boards (3.18m x 1.2m each)
- Installation and painting of the design on the provided surface
- A project description explaining the inspiration, message, and visual elements of the design
- Cost management within the allocated KSh 350,000 budget
Selection Process:
- Submission Review:
All submitted concepts will be evaluated by a panel composed of representatives from the German Embassy and GSELC. - Shortlisting:
Three artists or collectives will be invited to engage in discussions and refine their concepts based on feedback. - Final Selection:
One artist or collective will be awarded the project and commissioned to complete the mural.
Eligibility
- Open to: Individual artists and registered artist collectives based in Kenya
- Medium: Street art (mural painting); no restriction on style, but must be suitable for public viewing and aligned with the competition theme
- Language: Submissions can be in English or Kiswahili
- Deadline: 30 June 2025 (late submissions will not be accepted)
Terms and Conditions
- The awarded contract value is KSh 350,000, inclusive of:
- Materials (paints, brushes, scaffolding needs, protective gear, etc.)
- Artist fees
- Travel and accommodation, if required
- The mural must be completed on-site by 31 September 2025
- Artists are expected to work independently while maintaining open communication with the organizing teams
- The final artwork becomes the property of the Embassy and must remain installed for a minimum agreed period
How to Apply
Interested artists and collectives are required to:
- Prepare a draft design concept (can be sketches, digital renderings, or other clear visual proposals)
- Include:
- A brief artist/collective profile
- Recent portfolio or link to previous works
- Contact details (email and phone number)
- Upload your complete submission package to any reliable file-sharing platform (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer)
- Send the download link via email to:
[email protected]
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: 30 June 2025
- Shortlisting & Presentation: July 2025
- Wall Design Deadline: 31 September 2025
Deadline for Submissions: 30 June 2025
Awarded Contract: 350,000 KSh
Theme: Ushirikiano – Pamoja na Tofauti
Submission Method: Upload and send link via email (details below)
Apply Now
This is your opportunity to shape a meaningful visual landmark in Nairobi—celebrating German-Kenyan ties through the power of public art. Whether you are an emerging street artist or a seasoned muralist, your creativity can be part of something iconic and inspiring.
Let your art tell the story of partnership, diversity, and shared future.
