22-year old Arthur Mugume, a talented youth artist who facilitates art/painting workshops at AGYA's Community Center recently won 5 million Uganda Shillings (approximately $2,500 USD) in an Entrepreneurship Competition sponsored by St. Lawrence University in Uganda. Arthur won 3 gold medals for (1) Best Business Creativity, (2) Best Business Exhibition, and (3) Entrepreneur of the Year.
Arthur's entrepreneurial pursuits include: printing his designs on t-shirts and selling them for a profit and creating paintings which are marketed and sold locally for a profit. In the coming months, AGYA will help Arthur market his designs online through a unique blogspot where people from all over the world can browse available paintings and t-shirts and order online. In the meantime, if any of our supporters are interested in learning more about Arthur's work, you can contact him directly at arthur.mugume@yahoo.com
Arthur, who is currently studying Industrial Fine Art & Design at St. Lawrence University beat out 16 other competitors who pitched business ideas that were innovative, unique, and sustainable. Arthur's business proposal centered on using art as a tool to survive and make a living, an idea that is often criticized in a country where the only "serious" jobs are considered to be doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants, etc. Arthur is challenging this notion with his vision for a private business sector where artists, musicians, actors/actresses, and dancers can thrive.
Above: Arthur facilitates an art workshop at AGYA
Arthur's nickname is Mr. Art and he feels that everyone needs art in their daily lives. He is committed to using his talent and skills to protect and promote the cultivation of art and culture in Uganda. Several of Arthur's paintings are displayed prominently in the main classroom of AGYA's Community Center, including this portrait which features AGYA Co-Founders Divinity and Abraham Matovu.
Above: Arthur works on the portrait.
Below: Arthur exhibits the completed portrait.
All of us at AGYA are so proud of Arthur and we wish him continued success.
