About Us
Human Rights Advocacy
Championing the rights of marginalized communities through visual storytelling and media representation.
View Details
Cultural Heritage
Preserving and celebrating the rich cultural diversity of East Africa through art and creative expression.
View Details
Community Building
Creating safe spaces and fostering connections within diverse communities across East Africa.
View Details
Education & Training
Empowering individuals with skills in visual media production and advocacy techniques.
View Details
We Amplify voices and defend the ones at margines of society.
Founded in 2012 on the belief that art can ignite social change, East African Visual Artists (EAVA Artists) began as a small collective of Ugandan artists documenting human rights issues. Over the years, it has grown into a regional movement of creative activism, defending human rights and advancing social inclusion across Eastern Africa.
In a region where civic space and free expression are often constrained by repressive measures, many communities' struggle and their stories are overlooked by mainstream media, we stand as a form of resistance, turning art into a voice for humanity, through powerful visual storytelling, we shine a light on marginalized lives and transform silence into awareness. We embody creative empowerment, championing freedom of expression and fostering inclusion for all.
- Visual Storytelling
- Human Rights Advocacy
- Community Empowerment
- Media Training
Empowering Communities Through Art
Community Empowerment
EAVA's Visual Media Lab serves as a hub of empowerment for communities and individuals through comprehensive training in visual media production and advocacy techniques.
Religious Inclusion
We engage in dialogue with religious leaders to foster understanding and acceptance of all individuals within faith communities, promoting tolerance and inclusion.
Art for Activism
Art is a powerful tool for social change, and EAVA leverages various artistic forms such as dance, music, fashion, painting, and sculpture to address critical issues.
Awaken social consciousness through Art and culture
Empowering individuals, communities, and organizations, to tell their own stories, especially those who have been historically misunderstood or marginalized, ensuring policy commitments are translated into action that reach the intend audiences.
- Visual Arts & Media Documentation
- Human Rights Advocacy
- Community Empowerment
A free and inclusive society
We envision "a free and inclusive society, where every individual's voice is heard, valued, and respected." A society united in inclusion, were communities openly embracing their differences and finding space to thrive. Art is not just about expression, but a catalyst for equality, and lasting social transformation.
- Inclusive Society Building
- Diversity Celebration
- Universal Human Rights
Our Core Values
Inclusion
Everyone deserves to be seen and heard.
Freedom of Expression
Art is a human right.
Self-representation
We document our stories, in our own voices.
Community Empowerment
We train, support, and grow together.
Courageous Truth-telling
Even in hostile spaces, we speak up through images.
500+
Journalists Trained
6+
Art Exhibitions
50+
Workshops
10k+
People reached
Principles That Drive Our Work
Transparency
We maintain openness in all our operations, ensuring accountability and building trust with our communities and stakeholders.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions and their impact, continuously striving to improve and learn from our experiences.
Mutual Respect
We honor the dignity and worth of every individual, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
Trusted by over 190+ organizations worldwide
