About Umoja Prize
The Umoja Prize For Conteporary Tanzanian Art Foundation was established in 2007 to perpetuate the work of the late George Lilanga, a recognized Makonde artist and great painter of Tanzanian art. The Foundation continues the work he began by conserving representative works of 20th and 21th century Tanzanian art.
Considered one of the most prestigious private collections, the Umoja Art Foundation brings together outstanding works by great Tanzanian masters such as Sam Ntiro, Julius Julius and David Mathayo. The collection is presented in the intimate setting of Lilanga House, the former home of George Lilanga located in Mtwara. Visits are organized regularly during the summer and by appointment the rest of the year.
In 2007, Bagamoyo Arts and Cultural Institute created the Umoja Art Prize for the Arts, which, after only a few years of existence, is already recognized as the highest distinction in the field of contemporary art in Tanzania. This award is presented annually to emerging Tanzanian artists. In total, more than Tsh 7,000,000 in cash are awarded annually, including Tsh 3,000,000 to the winner and Tsh 1,000,000 to each of the other four finalists. According to Salim Ally, President of the Foundation, the Umoja Art Prize aims "to stimulate interest, discussion and debate around contemporary art in Tanzania, and to shine a light on the creative minds who are dedicated to this nationwide art.
Since its inception, the Umoja Prize For Contemporary Tanzanian Artist Award, along with the concurrent exhibition, has been organized and managed by the Art Gallery of Utamaduni The artists gallery. In 2016, the Umoja Foundation for the Arts entered into a partnership with Bagamoyo Arts and Cultural Institute, which organizes and circulates the exhibition.
Emerging Tanzanian artists
Written By: Joyce Aloyce