CASE STUDY – THE GO-DOWN (2005 to 2010)
Sponsor: ford foundation (ff), Media Arts and Culture Programme (MAC) grantees
The Challenge
Originally named the The Performing and Visual Arts Centre, what is now known as “The GoDown” was founded in 2003 by a small team of leading artists based in Nairobi, with the intent to establish an alternative arts centre providing rehearsal and performance spaces for new artists and new art forms to experiment, create and develop their talents and reputations. The GoDown faced all the challenges of finding donors, building its programmes, establishing its infrastructure, managing staff and volunteers, and securing long-term financial sustainability.  Given these challenges the GoDown decided to accept the offer from ford foundation of developing a partnership with PEN.

PEN Support Services
During the past five years PEN has responded to a series of requests for organizational development support.  During year 1, PEN provided advice on registration and governance.  In year 2, PEN gave advice on staffing, structure, management and financial systems and procedures. In year 3, PEN facilitated the Go Down’s first Strategic Planning Process and accompanying resource mobilization plan.  During year 4, PEN designed and developed an ‘Arts Management Seminar’ that was offered to Cultural Arts leaders in 2006 and 2008.  PEN also gave inputs to the annual EA Arts Summit organized by the Go-Down.  In year 5 PEN facilitated the production of the GoDown’s second Strategic Plan and its presentation to interested donors.

Impact
Today (February 2010), the Go-Down is a household name in the E African arts scene.  It owns its premises; currently being upgraded for the second time. It continues to offer a busy schedule of performances for increasing and diverse audiences, it is home to a number of innovative and progressive arts companies, and it is a preferred venue for topical dialogue and people’s participation in issues of national importance.  The GoDown has a strong, qualified and well trained staff team and is mid way through implementing its second strategy, supported by diverse donors and an element of self-generated income.

"There is no doubt that the consistent support PEN has provided to the GoDown in strategic planning and board development, over the past six years, has made significant impact on the growth and development of the GoDown. Through PEN's assistance, the GoDown developed and implemented its first strategic plan and recently, launched its second plan. The benefits of the input from PEN are clear:- the GoDown has been able to contextualize its role and is finding its niche; the organization has grown to now include experienced staff in senior and middle management levels; the GoDown Board has been constituted and it has offered requisite support to management in critical times; and the Godown has secured physical assets, with plans to further develop and utilize these in ways that enhance sustainablility of the organization."