A proposal to create four large oil paintings celebrating Kenema’s cultural heritage has drawn support from residents, local artists and the Kenema Youth Club, while organizers continue to seek funding, logistical assistance and public exhibition space.

Visual artist Ibraheem Albadawi introduced the Kenema Art Proposal, which would draw on traditional drumming, dance, local crafts and everyday communal life in the eastern Sierra Leonean city.

The planned works are intended to be displayed at a university in Freetown. Organizers describe the proposed exhibition as an effort to use art to connect tradition, identity and modern expression, while presenting Kenema’s cultural life to audiences beyond the city.

“These paintings are more than decoration — they are visual conversations about identity, values, and our shared future,” Albadawi said.

Community support and questions

Residents at Howfordo Market expressed enthusiasm and cautious optimism about the initiative. Mariatu Sesay said the project could encourage young people to take pride in the city’s cultural traditions.

“This project could help young people feel proud of Kenema’s music, arts, and dance,” she said.

Other residents welcomed the concept but questioned whether sufficient support would be available. Samuel Conteh asked whether the city would provide funding, exhibition space or promotional assistance. A commercial motorcyclist also backed the proposal while stressing that the paintings should be accessible to the public.

“If the city supports this, more people will see what we can offer — but the paintings must be on public display, not hidden away,” the motorcyclist said.

The comments reflect unresolved questions surrounding the project’s practical requirements. Organizers said plans were underway to submit a detailed proposal seeking funding and logistical support, while discussions continued over public venues where the works could be shown.

Youth club endorsement

The Kenema Youth Club has endorsed the initiative through its president, Richard Lamin. Lamin described the proposal as “a bold step toward showcasing Kenema’s creativity and heritage.”

“We fully endorse this initiative because it aligns with our mission to empower youth through culture and innovation. It can bring positive recognition to our city,” he said.

The project’s organizers say the proposed Freetown exhibition would serve as a form of visual diplomacy. If approved, the initiative could increase Kenema’s tourism visibility and strengthen its standing as a centre of Sierra Leone’s artistic heritage.

However, no formal communication had been made with the Kenema Tourism and Culture Office. It is also not yet known whether the proposal will receive official funding or assistance, or when the paintings might be completed and exhibited.