Content House Kenya: Art and culture as a way to talk about problems
Content House Kenya is a collective of filmmakers, photographers, writers and artists and artists. The collective was founded to create and share stories that serve the public interest but are often underrepresented in mainstream media. Content House also trains and collaborates with a new generation of filmmakers, photographers and artists. We spoke with founder Jackie Lebo about the impact they are making and their plans for the future.
How it started
In 2014, Content House began working in Northern Kenya on a documentary about natural resource discoveries in the region. But the most interesting moments would happen when the camera was off. During breaks the transport crew would break into song and perform traditional dances, or the translator would be making an amazing beaded piece of jewellery for a ceremony. This led to the realization that most people in Turkana have an artistic practice, which can be a powerful tool of engagement and social change.
That’s why Content House created a companion project where many more artists could collaborate: the Turkana Artists Xchange. It’s a coming together to create work that bridges modernity and tradition. Jackie: “The exploration of the natural resources in our region slowed and prices went down. But our culture is also one of our resources. We’re using arts and culture now to talk about all kinds of problems.”
Impact of their work
Over the years, Content House created a growing movement. “We gave people from Turkana a platform to speak for themselves. They’re now known and asked to show their work worldwide. We also see that other communities have started doing similar kind of cultural things.”
Content House...
35M+ Reach
35M+ Reach
… reached a global audience of over 35 million people through physical shows and media outlets.
30 Artists Empowered
30 Artists Empowered
… trained 30 artists from Turkana, empowering them to grow their craft, impact their communities, engage with stakeholders and increase their livelihoods.
100 Performance Opportunities
100 Performance Opportunities
… created platforms for 100 regional artists to showcase their talent thus boosting visibility.
Art as Advocacy
Art as Advocacy
… leveraged art to promote civic participation and amplify local voices in Turkana.
Cultural Preservation
Cultural Preservation
… safeguarded traditional art forms, ensuring they thrive in modern times.
Inclusive Growth
Inclusive Growth
… generated economic opportunities through art, fostering a stronger community.
Nomadic Arts Festival
Building on the success of the Turkana Artists Xchange, Content House organised the Nomadic Arts Festival for the first time at the end of 2024. With this festival they aim to make a lasting impact by creating a platform where artists from Northern Kenya can showcase their remarkable work to both national and global audiences. The festival celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage, passed down through generations while fostering collaboration with artists from across Kenya and beyond. By blending ancient and contemporary art forms it shows how modernity can emerge from a deep connection to tradition. Through music and art, the festival builds bridges between cultures and creates meaningful connections.
“People from the region and abroad come together at this festival. It’s a vibrant platform, that Content House created, where all kind of artists can meet, exchange ideas and explore how we can navigate change together. That kind of creative dialogue builds understanding, strengthens cohesion, and helps us face the challenges ahead.”
Jackie Lebo – founder of Content House Kenya
This shoot aimed to tell a visual story of Turkana through its women, representing three generations and the evolution of their attire. The project wanted to show a different image of Turkana than is often portrayed in the media: a vibrant region with powerful women. It was a collaborative effort grounded in local participation, using what was readily available to create a powerful, authentic narrative about the region and its people.
The impact of DOEN
DOEN Foundation supports Content House Kenya for six years now. Jackie describes the impact of DOEN on their initiative as very important: “The support of DOEN started when we had nothing much to show. They supported the idea of the project, because they believed in our idea that people like to be stimulated by art and vision, and that it can be used to discuss something very serious.”
DOEN Foundation supports Content House Kenya thanks to the players of the Postcode Loterij (Postcode Lottery).