The Goethe Institut was reopened over the weekend through a 3-day festival. In attendance were several high-profile guests such as German Deputy Ambassador Thomas Wimmer and Kenya Cultural Centre CEO Michael Pundo. Also present were media, artists, creatives, students, and the general public.
This follows an over-year-long closure of the facility for renovations. It now boasts a new modern look that can accommodate more creative activities. Creatives now have a safe place where they can express their ideas freely, present boundary-pushing and experimental work as well as tap into the institute’s global networks.
Goethe Institut Reopening Ceremony
Speaking during the private reception ceremony, on Friday 17th Feb 2023, Goethe-Institut Nairobi Director Lilli Kobler noted that the facility remains focused on promoting a vibrant cultural scene.
“The Goethe-Institut has always been a place to meet and exchange, learn and debate and our desire is that our new spaces cater to this in a modern, customer-friendly, and innovative way. Supporting the vibrant cultural scene with spaces, experiments, and exchange programs, exploring avenues to boost the creative industries’ potential, creating access to information about Germany and the German language, and inviting debate about those pressing challenges we can only globally face, are what drives us.” She said.
As promised, the 3-day affair was action-packed. Guests experienced a wide variety of fun activities. Some of which include an unforgettable exhibition by Jojo Records of specially curated and handpicked vinyl from the 1980s.
There were also virtual reality exhibitions – SOTA and The Heritage Project. Additionally, there were a couple of DJ sets such as Santuri DJs, several dance performances, and a live show by Hip Hop artist Octopizzo.
Additional event highlights include the screening of Just A Band’s Film, Echo, the Kibera Fashion exhibition, a pop-up market, and children’s readings, to mention a few.
Images courtesy of Goethe Institut
