About The GoDown Arts Centre
The GoDown Arts Centre is a nonprofit public interest organization incorporated in 2002, with a vision of a culturally confident, creative and prosperous Kenya. In 2003, The GoDown established itself in the Industrial Area of Nairobi, in an old warehouse complex at the corner of Dunga and Dundori Roads. The GoDown grew from the need for Kenyan and East African artists to come together in a creative hub to grow the creative economy. The GoDown contributes to social development by promoting community engagement, providing access to culture and the arts, and is also active in policy advocacy for a better working environment for Kenyan artists. The strength of The GoDown as Kenya’s leading platform for cultural exchange lies in its multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral approach to programming. As a focal point for artistic experimentation, cross-sector partnerships and creative collaborations in East Africa, The GoDown has been recognised as one of Kenya’s leading platforms for cultural exchange.
About The GoDown Property Re-development Initiative
The Property Re-development Initiative is the transformation of The GoDown’s 1.6-acre property in Industrial Area from 7,000 Sq.M of adaptive reuse/renovated warehouses, into a 25,000 Sq.M mixed-use public purpose development – a New GoDown Cultural Arts Complex that responds to the latent opportunities culture holds for Nairobi City. It will be the first major public complex for contemporary performing and visual arts to be built since Kenya’s independence.
The new GoDown will boast numerous arts and culture enrichment amenities including 20 visual artist studios, 20 offices for creative businesses, 2 dance studios, 1 music recording studio, 2 band rehearsal spaces, 12 instrument practice rooms, a 500-seater multi-use auditorium, a 200-seater black box, 3 levels of gallery and exhibition space, a mini-museum of the city, media recording and broadcasting spaces and a specific children’s atelier. Other community facilities include a visitor information centre, a public library & digital resource centre, a youth services centre, a number of outdoor open spaces and roof gardens, and public washrooms. Other spaces for that will be leased out include open plan offices, serviced offices, meeting and conference rooms, as well as spaces for a convenience shop, restaurant, bar and food court.
The design process has drawn on inputs from many stakeholders. Through physical workshops and online initiatives, ideas and wish-lists have been generated from The GoDown’s community which includes artists, creative entrepreneurs, school children, local businesses, city representatives and the general public. This process has been an ongoing dialogue, so the resultant designs are continually energised, refreshed, and reflected upon.
Project Team:
Developer: The Performing and Visual Arts Centre Limited
Design Architects: White Arkitekter
Project Architect: Planning Systems Services Ltd
Quantity Surveyor: CMAS Quantity Surveying Ltd
Structural Engineer: Engplan Consulting Engineers Ltd
Services Engineer: Bosch East Africa
Enabling Works Contractor: Mandip Singh Construction (Kenya) Limited
