Resident Artist, Former AIA Student: Kalema Brian
“Talent is free, but discipline and innovation are what you buy when you invest in the arts. Doing so is the most profitable decision we can make for the next 20 years,” -Kalema Brian
This July, the vibrant energy at The Center at Action in Africa is shifting into high gear. This month, our theme is all about the arts celebrating creativity, self-expression, and the beautiful ways visual storytelling connects our community. And honestly? You simply cannot talk about art at the The Center without talking about Kalema Brian.
For years, Brian has been one of our incredibly talented AIA Scholarship Students until he finished university and has been instrumental in shaping the physical and creative identity of The Center. If you have ever walked through our space, been inspired by our arts, or smiled at the colorful, intentional artwork brightening up our walls, you have experienced Brian’s genius firsthand. Brian didn’t just leave his mark on our walls; he left it in our hearts. His dedication to using art as a tool for community building, education, and inspiration has made him a true pillar of the AIA family.
Brian firmly believes that giving children access to the arts is essential, as it builds core life skills that textbooks alone simply cannot provide. Art offers practical knowledge that boosts critical thinking, builds confidence, and fosters emotional and cultural grounding.
“Through creative expression, children learn to process their feelings, understand their communities, and connect deeply with their Ugandan heritage” Brian shared.
Ultimately, without the arts, we risk raising a generation that is lacking the ability to imagine, communicate, or create.
According to him, outside of AIA, local children typically encounter the arts in primary and secondary schools through scheduled "Art and Craft" periods or during music, dance, and drama (MDD) preparations, which usually happen in the third term. Additionally, some NGOs and faith-based organizations step in to skill youth through weekend workshops in visual arts, music, and crafts though so many challenges still weaken the growth: "Financial support for the arts is hard to come by." Brian noted
However, this current landscape is far too limited. In rural areas, schools rarely have dedicated art teachers or proper materials. Compounding this is a restrictive community perception: art is often treated as a mere pastime or a break from real learning, rather than a foundational subject that opens doors to lucrative careers in design, film, animation, architecture, and textiles. Because many parents still dictate their children's academic paths and discourage them from pursuing creative subjects, countless talented children are blocked from exploring their full potential in the arts.
Brian says, Uganda is overflowing with creative talent, yet most young people lack the structured training, materials, and mentorship needed to turn that raw talent into real economic and social impact.
“Investing in the arts is not a luxury; it is a strategic pathway to innovation, employment, and community problem-solving,” he added.
By providing trained art educators, dedicated studio spaces, and access to tools like 3D printing, visual arts equipment, music gear, and design tech, can change the trajectory of our youth.
"Through art competitions, I have met so many incredible friends whom I still collaborate with today. That is truly the power of art, it brings people together," he said.
Talent exists everywhere in Uganda. With the right investment, discipline and innovation will naturally follow, producing a generation of young artists who contribute directly to cultural identity and economic growth. Uganda won’t innovate its way out of its challenges by copying others.
“Talent is free, but discipline and innovation are what you buy when you invest in the arts. Doing so is the most profitable decision we can make for the next 20 years,” Brian said.
We have watched Brian grow every step of the way from secondary school and the Art competitions he has engaged in, AIA internship to his graduation last year, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Art from Ndejje University. Now, he is paying it forward by mentoring young minds at Saad Islamic Centre and Christland Hill Secondary School, alongside his freelance graphics work.
Brian is exactly the kind of success story we strive to build every day. But grooming talent like his requires consistent investment. Thanks to your ongoing support, our facilitator, Helga, is also able to conduct art classes twice a week to inspire over 50 kids in his classes. Your support is what made Brian’s journey possible, and it’s what will unlock the potential of the next generation we train at the Center.
