#KeCultureLives through Google Arts and Culture

In an era where the past and present intermingle, digital platforms have proven to be invaluable tools for preserving and propagating culture. From ancient traditions to contemporary art, the internet has become a vast repository of human heritage. Google Arts and Culture stands at the forefront of this cultural revolution, exemplifying its significance through its ambitious projects around the world. One such project is the preservation of Kenyan culture, a vital endeavour that underscores the importance of safeguarding traditions for future generations. 

Established in 2011, Google Arts and Culture is a digital platform that brings art, culture, and heritage to people across the globe. It is an online museum, a gateway to the world’s cultural treasures, and a powerful tool for cultural preservation. Google Arts and Culture collaborates with institutions and experts to digitize artworks, artifacts, and historical records, making them accessible to anyone with an internet connection. 

One of the most remarkable collaborations of Google Arts and Culture is its partnership with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK). This collaboration commenced in 2018 and aimed to digitize the wealth of Kenyan cultural heritage, thereby making it accessible to a global audience. NMK boasts an astounding 28 museums, sites, and monuments, making it the holder of the world’s most extensive collection of Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage. Up until the partnership with Google Arts and Culture, this treasure trove had never been digitized.  

The fruit of this partnership is a captivating online exhibition titled “Utamaduni Wetu: Meet the People of Kenya.” “Utamaduni wetu” translates to “our culture” in Swahili, a language deeply rooted in Kenyan culture. This online exhibition represents Google Arts and Culture’s most ambitious project in Africa to date, demonstrating their dedication to preserving the rich cultural tapestry of Kenya. 

“Utamaduni Wetu” takes visitors on a journey through Kenya’s diverse communities, featuring an array of artifacts and stories. It’s an opportunity for the world to explore the past and present of Kenyan culture through more than 10,500 high-resolution photographs, over 100 expert-curated exhibits, and more than 60 Street Views of iconic sites and museums across the country. 

This initiative is a testament to the power of digital platforms like Google Arts and Culture in preserving cultural heritage. In a world where cultural homogenization poses a significant threat, the ability to safeguard and showcase the uniqueness of each culture is more critical than ever. Kenya’s rich cultural heritage, with its various tribes, languages, and traditions, is a treasure trove that deserves to be celebrated and preserved.