MASK Awards 2013

The theme for the 2014 MASK Awards was 'What Makes Me Proud About Kenya', celebrating the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence.

The 2014 MASK Awards received over 1,000 artwork entries from 95 schools and 15 universities across Kenya.

Five prizes totaling 300,000 Ksh (£2,500), sponsored by Rivers Foundation (UK), were awarded.

The Awards Ceremony drew an audience of 400 people. The winning artworks were exhibited at the Nairobi National Museum (11 June - 10 July 2013), Saatchi Gallery in London (12 September - 7 October 2013), and the Royal Overseas League in London (4 December 2013 - 24 January 2014), attracting over 90,000 visitors.

Special thanks to the judges for their valuable contributions.

WINNERS in all categories

Prize-Giving Ceremony: 11 June 2013, Nairobi National Museum
Exhibition: 11 June - 10 July 2013, Nairobi National Museum

The ceremony and exhibition was officially opened by

• the British High Commissioner, Dr Chris Turner
• E. Lagat, Director of the Nairobi National Museum
• Andrew Mwanthi, Director of Education, Nairobi City County, representing Governor Dr Evans Kider
• Kimanzi Muthengi, Director of UNICEF Talent Academies Programme
• Wycliffe Muga, Editor of The Star

Prizes were awarded by Alan Rivers, Founder of Rivers Foundation. The exhibition showcased over 600 original artworks by Kenyan participants, curated by MASK's Watson Kanyi and Raymond Mutisya, and attracted more than 4,000 visitors.

“Art is when you involve your mind to create something to be seen by others.” — Zebra Kamal, 14

12 September-7 October 2013 

The exhibition was opened by the renowned contemporary artist Michael Craig-Martin and Saatchi Gallery Education Director Francesca Wilson. The exhibition was seen by 87,000 people.

"This is important work for the future of East African art.  It attracted very young people.  What struck me from the submissions is that all 3 prize-winners are about place, all of them locate something.  Its very telling that this is the most vivid thing for them, and therefore their art is very vivid for us. I congratulate the MASK PRIZE organisers." Michael Craig-Martin

"The UK young people who come to the Gallery's workshops say that the Kenyan young people's artwork is amazing. They are influenced by these artworks!  It was great working with MASK."  Francesca Wilson