Art Classes & Workshops in Kenya: Where to Learn

Introduction

Whether you want to learn art as a hobby, develop skills for a career, or improve your existing abilities, taking classes can help you learn faster and better. Kenya has many options for art education, from free community workshops to professional art schools.

This guide will help you find art classes and workshops that fit your budget, location, and learning goals. You will learn about formal art schools, community classes, online options, and how to choose the right program for you.

Types of Art Education in Kenya

Formal Art Schools and Colleges

University Programs

Several Kenyan universities offer art degrees:

University of Nairobi - School of the Arts

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art
• Duration: 4 years
• Cost: Government-sponsored or self-sponsored
• Location: Nairobi
• Covers painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics
• Entrance through KUCCPS or direct application

Kenyatta University - Department of Fine Art and Design

• Bachelor of Education (Art and Design)
• Bachelor of Fine Art
• Duration: 4 years
• Located in Nairobi
• Good for those wanting to teach art

Technical University of Kenya

• Diploma in Fine Art
• Duration: 2-3 years
• More affordable than degree programs
• Practical focus

Mount Kenya University

• Diploma and Degree programs
• Design and visual arts
• Multiple campuses

Who Should Consider Universities

• Young people seeking formal qualifications
• Those wanting art teaching careers
• People with time for full-time study
• Those needing recognized certificates

Costs

• Government-sponsored: KES 50,000-80,000 per year
• Self-sponsored: KES 120,000-250,000 per year

Technical and Vocational Training

Buru Buru Institute of Fine Art

• Certificate and diploma courses
• Shorter duration (6 months - 2 years)
• Focus on practical skills
• Affordable fees: KES 20,000-60,000 per year
• Location: Nairobi

Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC)

• Graphic design and visual communication
• Animation courses
• Professional focus
• Location: Nairobi

Multimedia University

• Animation and digital design
• Creative arts programs
• Multiple campuses

County Technical Training Institutes

Many counties now have technical training centers offering:

• Basic art and craft courses
• Usually 3-6 month programs
• Very affordable: KES 5,000-15,000 per course
• Check your local county government offices

Private Art Schools and Studios

Kuona Trust (Nairobi)

• Artist residencies
• Workshops throughout the year
• Professional development for artists
• Some scholarships available
• Location: Off Ngong Road, Nairobi

The GoDown Arts Centre (Nairobi)

• Performing and visual arts
• Regular workshops and classes
• Community programs
• Affordable rates
• Location: Industrial Area, Nairobi

Alliance Française (Multiple Cities)

• Art classes for children and adults
• Painting, drawing, sculpture
• French cultural center
• Locations: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret
• Membership fees apply

Brush Tu Art Studio (Nairobi)

• Short courses and workshops
• Beginner-friendly
• Weekend classes available
• Various art forms
• Check social media for current offerings

Karen Blixen Museum Art Classes

• Weekend art classes
• Beautiful setting
• For children and adults
• Affordable community rates

Private Studios by Individual Artists

Many professional artists offer classes from their studios:

• One-on-one or small group lessons
• Flexible scheduling
• Personalized instruction
• Costs vary: KES 2,000-8,000 per session

Find them through:

• Instagram and Facebook
• Word of mouth
• Local art communities

Community and Informal Learning

Community Centers

Check these places in your area:

• Churches and religious centers often have art programs
• Youth centers and clubs
• Libraries (some offer art programs)
• Cultural centers
• Women’s groups

Costs: Usually free or very low (KES 500-2,000)

Children’s Homes and NGOs

Several organizations offer free or subsidized art classes:

• Focus on youth development
• Some accept adult learners too
• Check NGOs working in your county

Art Clubs and Groups

Nairobi Art Club

• Regular meetups
• Shared learning
• Usually free to join
• Find on Facebook

Sketch Nairobi

• Urban sketching group
• Free meetups
• Learn by doing together
• Check Instagram for schedules

Other Community Groups

• Search Facebook for “[Your City] Art Group”
• Join WhatsApp groups
• University and college art clubs (some allow non-students)

Online Learning Options

Free Online Classes

YouTube Channels

• Thousands of free art tutorials
• Learn at your own pace
• No cost except internet data
• Can pause and replay

Recommended Channels

• Proko (drawing fundamentals)
• Aaron Blaise (professional techniques)
• Ctrl+Paint (digital painting)
• Circle Line Art School (various techniques)

Free Course Platforms

• Coursera (some free courses from universities)
• Khan Academy (basic art lessons)
• Drawabox.com (structured drawing lessons)
• YouTube playlists by professional artists

Paid Online Courses (Affordable)

Udemy

• One-time payment for courses (usually KES 1,500-3,000)
• Watch anytime, lifetime access
• Regular sales with big discounts
• Wide variety of art topics
• Pay with credit card or PayPal

Skillshare

• Monthly subscription: About KES 1,500/month
• Unlimited classes
• Art, design, illustration, digital art
• First month often free or discounted

Domestika

• Individual course purchase
• High-quality production
• International artists
• Subtitles available

Benefits of Online Learning

• Learn at your own pace
• Rewatch lessons anytime
• Usually cheaper than in-person classes
• Learn from world-class instructors
• Study from home

Challenges

• Need reliable internet (download videos when possible)
• No direct feedback (unless course includes review)
• Requires self-discipline
• Can feel isolated

Workshops and Short Courses

Weekend Workshops

Many organizations offer weekend or holiday workshops:

Format

• 1-2 days intensive learning
• Focused on specific skills
• Good for busy people
• Cost: KES 1,500-8,000

Where to Find

• Check social media (Instagram, Facebook)
• Art galleries often host workshops
• Alliance Française schedules
• Community centers
• During school holidays (many options for kids)

Popular Workshop Topics

• Watercolor painting basics
• Acrylic pouring
• Portrait drawing
• Digital illustration
• Abstract art techniques
• Sculpting with clay

Holiday Programs for Children

School Holidays

Many venues offer children’s art programs during holidays:

• Pottery and clay
• Painting
• Crafts
• Drawing

Popular Venues

• Alliance Française (multiple cities)
• Museums (Nairobi National Museum)
• Community centers
• Libraries
• Private studios

Costs: KES 3,000-15,000 per week

Benefits for Children

• Develops creativity
• Keeps them engaged during holidays
• Social interaction
• Portfolio building
• Possible career interest

Corporate Team-Building Workshops

Some companies hire artists for team-building:

• Group painting sessions
• Pottery workshops
• Craft activities

If you are looking for this, contact:

• Professional art instructors
• Art studios offering corporate packages

Choosing the Right Art Class

Consider Your Goals

Hobby/Relaxation

• Community classes work well
• Less expensive options
• Flexible scheduling
• No pressure

Career Development

• Formal education may be better
• Recognized certificates
• Professional networking
• Comprehensive training

Skill Improvement

• Workshops targeting specific skills
• Online courses for specific techniques
• Private lessons for personalized attention

Consider Your Budget

Free to KES 2,000/month

• Community classes
• Art clubs
• Free online resources
• Some NGO programs

KES 2,000-10,000/month

• Some private studio classes
• Online paid courses
• Weekend workshops
• Technical institute evening classes

KES 10,000-30,000/month

• Regular private lessons
• Part-time programs at art schools
• Professional development courses

KES 50,000+ per year

• Formal diploma and degree programs
• Intensive professional training

Consider Your Schedule

Full-Time Students

• University or college programs
• Technical training institutes
• Daytime intensive courses

Working Adults

• Evening classes
• Weekend workshops
• Online self-paced learning
• Community classes

Parents/Caregivers

• Classes with childcare
• Short workshops during school hours
• Online learning at home

Consider Your Location

Nairobi

• Most options available
• Universities, private schools, workshops
• Easy to find classes

Other Major Cities (Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret)

• Alliance Française locations
• Technical training institutes
• Some community programs
• Growing art scenes

Smaller Towns

• Check county technical institutes
• Community centers and churches
• Online learning most accessible
• Self-study with online resources

Check Instructor Qualifications

Questions to Ask

• What is the instructor’s background?
• Can you see examples of their work?
• Do they have teaching experience?
• Can current/former students provide feedback?
• What teaching methods do they use?

Red Flags

• Unwilling to show portfolio
• No clear curriculum
• Upfront payment for many months
• No trial class option
• Aggressive sales tactics

Making the Most of Art Classes

Come Prepared

Materials

• Ask what to bring in advance
• Some classes provide materials (may cost extra)
• Don’t buy expensive supplies until instructor recommends

Mindset

• Be open to learning new techniques
• Accept that mistakes are part of learning
• Don’t compare yourself to others
• Ask questions when confused

Practice Between Classes

Regular Practice

• Apply what you learned
• Practice daily if possible, even for 15 minutes
• Repeat exercises from class
• Try variations

Document Progress

• Take photos of your work
• Date everything
• See improvement over time
• Motivates continued learning

Connect with Fellow Students

Build Network

• Exchange contacts with classmates
• Form study groups
• Share resources and tips
• Create accountability partnerships
• Collaborate on projects

Ask for Feedback

From Instructors

• Request specific feedback on your work
• Ask for improvement suggestions
• Inquire about next steps

From Peers

• Show work to classmates
• Accept constructive criticism
• Learn from others’ mistakes and successes

Cost-Saving Tips

Free and Low-Cost Learning

Maximize Free Resources

• YouTube tutorials
• Free online courses
• Community programs
• Art clubs and meetups
• Library books and resources

Trade Skills

• Offer your skills in exchange for lessons
• Volunteer at art centers (may get free classes)
• Join cooperative learning groups

Reduce Material Costs

Share Supplies

• Buy materials in bulk with classmates
• Share expensive items like easels
• Borrow rather than buy initially

Use What You Have

• Practice on cheap paper first
• Use household items for tools
• Recycle and repurpose materials

Look for Scholarships and Subsidies

Who Offers

• Some art organizations have scholarship programs
• County governments sometimes subsidize arts education
• NGOs focusing on youth development
• Competition prizes that include training

How to Find

• Ask organizations directly
• Check social media announcements
• Register with county cultural departments
• Network with other artists

Start with Short Commitments

Test Before Investing

• Try a single workshop before committing to long course
• Take advantage of trial classes
• Start with online before paying for in-person
• Begin with free resources to ensure interest

Online Resources for Self-Study

Free Learning Platforms

• YouTube: Unlimited free tutorials
• Pinterest: Visual references and step-by-step guides
• Drawabox.com: Structured free drawing course
• Ctrl+Paint: Free digital painting library

Paid but Affordable

• Udemy: One-time course purchases (often on sale)
• Skillshare: Monthly subscription to unlimited classes
• Domestika: High-quality individual courses
• Coursera: University courses (some free, certificates cost money)

Social Media Learning

Instagram

• Follow artists sharing techniques
• Watch process videos
• Join art challenges (#inktober, #30dayartchallenge)
• Learn from reels and posts

TikTok

• Quick art tips and tricks
• Time-lapse videos
• Trending techniques

Books and Written Resources

Where to Find

• Bookshops in major cities
• University libraries (some allow public access)
• PDF versions online
• Second-hand bookshops (cheaper)

Recommended Topics

• Drawing fundamentals
• Color theory
• Anatomy for artists
• Composition and design

Finding Classes in Your Area

Search Online

• Google “[Your city] art classes”
• Facebook search for art groups
• Instagram hashtags: #NairobiArt #MombasaArt #KisumuArt
• Check Eventbrite for workshops

Ask Locally

• Visit community centers
• Check with county culture departments
• Ask at libraries
• Inquire at art supply shops (often know instructors)
• Talk to local artists

Check Notice Boards

• Community centers
• Supermarkets
• Churches
• Colleges and universities
• Coffee shops and restaurants

Social Media Groups

Facebook Groups to Join

• Nairobi Art Community
• Kenya Artists
• Creatives Kenya
• [Your County] Artists Network

Starting Your Own Learning Group

Why Start a Group

• Learn together at low/no cost
• Share knowledge and resources
• Motivation and accountability
• Build local art community

How to Start

1. Find 3-5 interested people

   • Post in local groups
   • Ask friends and colleagues
   • Meet at community centers

2. Set Regular Meeting Time

   • Weekly or bi-weekly
   • 2-3 hours per session
   • Consistent schedule

3. Choose Learning Method

   • Watch YouTube tutorials together
   • Take turns teaching techniques you know
   • Critique each other’s work
   • Practice together silently

4. Share Costs

   • Split costs of occasional instructor visits
   • Buy supplies in bulk together
   • Share expensive tools
   • Pool resources

Group Activities

• Weekly art challenges
• Group exhibitions
• Skill-sharing sessions
• Visit museums and galleries together
• Invite guest artists occasionally

Conclusion

Learning art in Kenya has never been more accessible. From free YouTube tutorials to formal university programs, options exist for every budget, schedule, and skill level.

Start by identifying your goals and budget. If money is tight, begin with free online resources and community programs. As your skills and commitment grow, consider investing in paid courses or formal education.

The most important factor is not which program you choose, but that you practice regularly and stay committed to learning. Many successful Kenyan artists are self-taught through free resources and practice. Others benefit from formal training and the structure of classes.

Whatever path you choose, the Kenyan art community is welcoming and growing. Take that first step - sign up for a class, join an online course, or start a learning group with friends. Your artistic journey begins with the decision to learn, and Kenya offers many paths to help you grow as an artist.