Neil DaCosta
Artist Statement
Project Elimu is a community-driven non-profit organization offering after-school arts education and a safe space to children living in Kibera, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya.
- projectelimu.org
I spent a few days at Project Elimu in November 2019 while in Kenya for work. The kids were getting ready for their annual community ballet performance and were gracious enough to let me photograph them rehearsing. It was great seeing so much joy and positivity in an area that has such a bad reputation.
The first 2 days I photographed the dancers in their everyday clothes, but on the 3rd day they performed a full dress rehearsal. The beautiful dance outfits they are wearing, as well as their ballet shoes, were made locally in Kibera. To me, the juxtaposition of the pristine colorful outfits to the surroundings is metaphorical for what Project Elimu does in the community.
Since the children of Project Elimu were so gracious in letting me spend time with them, any proceeds I make from selling these prints will be donated to them through globalgiving.org
To learn more about Project Elimu and what they do for the kids of Kibera, please visit their website projectelimu. org
Neil DaCosta | Portland, OR
Project Elimu Dancers on Rooftop, 2019
Archival Digital Print
16" x 20"