At to.org we foster the relationships and talent that make the world a better place. We have witnessed firsthand the abundance of creativity in urban slums and refugee settlements in sub-Saharan Africa, and the lack of opportunity for development in these communities. Since 2017, To:Foundation has supported and nurtured artistic and musical talent, launching creative spaces and recording studios in urban slums and refugee settlements to create opportunities for individual expression.

Currently, we are reframing the narrative around what it means to be a “refugee”, supporting refugee-led initiatives that put play and creativity at the forefront. In northern Uganda, 600 km north of the capital, Kampala, on the border with South Sudan, lies the Bidi Bidi refugee settlement. In the space of six years, an area of land previously used for grazing cattle and goats, and as a source of firewood, has become home to a population of more than a quarter of a million displaced people. Referred to as the “youngest city in the world”, Bidi Bidi has grown to become the largest refugee settlement on the African continent and the second largest in the world.

There is little opportunity for education or creative expression here, and consequently there is immense boredom and a pervasive sense of lack of opportunity, particularly for young people. But there is potential – all that is missing is access to resources to help nurture talent.

Designed pro bono by renowned architecture firm, Hassell Studios, the Bidi Bidi Music & Arts Centre is inspired by the community’s passion for music. Underscored by our strong belief that creative expression is a basic human right, our intention is that this centre will not only serve as an important place of creative expression, but that access to these facilities will support the healing process for a community that has suffered immense trauma.

Xavier de Kestelier, Hassell’s Head of Design Technology & Innovation, will lead the research and design team, building a space that considers sustainability and culture at every step. The design combines traditional architectural aesthetics of northern Uganda with innovations like rainwater harvesting and natural ventilation. It will incorporate a music classroom, recording studio, open-air performance and community space, a vegetable garden and tree nursery, and community toilets. The construction will use low-cost, low-carbon building materials and will be managed by local building companies who will recruit and train refugees to work alongside them in building this one-of-a-kind music and arts centre.

This is not a traditional humanitarian project. While old development models failed to harness the power of creativity or to holistically approach opportunity, our innovation model incorporates entrepreneurship, creative arts, and play. We know that music is a powerful tool for young people to express themselves and can benefit those healing from trauma. Similarly, we know South Sudanese culture is steeped in musical traditions and that this initiative will help to bridge communities throughout Bidi Bidi and establish necessary creative outlets for young refugees.

If you would like to donate to the Bidi Bidi Music & Arts Centre, or if you are interested in learning more, please contact rach@to.org. And if you would like to follow our progress with this and other initiatives, please follow the to.org Instagram account @to_creativeactivists.