Badiyeh Arts Exchange Program 04

The Badiyeh Arts× Circle Art Gallery Exchange is a reciprocal professional exchange between New York and Nairobi that brings together two gallery founders and directors from distinctly different cultural contexts. Developed in partnership with Circle Art Gallery, the program creates a rare opportunity for knowledge-sharing and dialogue around the role of independent galleries in shaping contemporary art ecosystems and supporting artistic communities.

The exchange consists of two reciprocal ten-day programs. From 20–30 March 2027, Badiyeh Arts will host Danda Jaroljmek—Director of Circle Art Gallery, Nairobi—in New York. In return, Circle Art Gallery will host a participant nominated by Badiyeh Arts in Nairobi, with dates and the participant to be announced.

Shaped around the participants' professional interests and ongoing research, the exchange includes meetings with artists, galleries, museums, residency organizations, collectors, and other cultural institutions. Through these encounters, participants will share experiences, discuss challenges and opportunities facing independent art organizations, and gain insight into the social, cultural, and economic conditions that shape contemporary art practices in their respective contexts.

By connecting the contemporary art ecosystems of New York and Nairobi, the exchange seeks to foster meaningful relationships, encourage mutual learning, and create a foundation for future collaborations between artistic communities in East Africa and New York.

Participants