Mama Grace Onyango Arts, Culture, Research, Sports and Educational Centre, is set to display its significance to the world, as it will participate in the 9th Africities Summit slated for May 17-21 in Kisumu County.
Addressing Journalists recently, Manager and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Centre, Mr Obat Masira, said the facility boasts of a long and rich history since it first opened doors in 1960.
He said the Social Centre has an Art gallery, which it will showcase at the Summit, hence promoting the cultural and economic value of the region.
“During the Summit, we will display this Art Centre for exhibition, which shall operate 24 hours, for any interested person to come and see what we have in place,” explained Obat.
The Centre has six residential artists who are busy coming up with amazing artworks.
Artists who spoke during the forum, say they look forward to meeting various dignitaries, who will grace the occasion to tell their stories artistically and in a way that will boost the local economy.
Obat said that the Art Center plays a big role in mentoring children and exuded confidence that because it is the only Art Centre in the lake region, it will attract very many visitors.
“We expect the Center to be full and we urge all members of the society to come to see what we have in store for them. The exchange of ideas will also be exercised during this engagement,” he stated.
The C.E.O explained that the Centre was launched by Sir Renison amid splendor, with the aim of spurring a cultural and intellectual renaissance among younger Kenyans in the Lakeside City.
The building has been renamed four times. It was first named the African Social Hall, then changed to Victoria Social Hall and later to Kisumu Social Centre. It is now known as the Grace Onyango Social Hall.
By Joseph Otieno
