Karibu project is conceived as an alternative space to accommodate indigenous art forms such as crafts, folk songs, storytelling etc. Previously we have found the visual arts lens rather restrictive and often exclusive. Close/Karibu is the space inbetween, close to art but not quite, yet representative of many communities who have not necessarily tapped the visual arts. Like all Njabala projects, we expect Close to grow organically, including sects and disciplines which suffer from the mundane visual arts exclusion.The first iteration, which will be a year long project commencing April 2024 will include community workshops, commissions and display.

In March 2024, during the Creative Economy Week organized by the British Council, Njabala foundation curated Close/Karibu installation - a reimagination of the world we seek, consisting of a bed of indigenous mats inspired by a roadside pile of plastic mats awaiting distribution. The featured mats were borrowed from communities in Eastern Uganda as well as cultural organizations in Kampala and returned to their owners after use.The installation marked the ceremonial start of the Karibu project in which Njabala Foundation seeks to organize a series of community engagements and or displays aimed at revamping the traditional mat amongst women artisans – towards economic, cultural and climate justice in underserved communities.