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Our Story

Affirmative Art

Affirmative Art was founded by Eirik Jarl Trondsen with a background in international aid and the belief in empowering individuals to drive their own development. Affirmative Art was born when the founder got disillusioned working with foreign aid and faced a personal crisis. In 2012 he realized Affirmative Art could be a powerful tool for individuals and communities to identify goals and visions in life as art is a universal language, which does not require literacy, and is cheap and available to all. Something the NGO's were not doing because development has to come from the inside and it all starts with a dream. If we visually define our purpose in life, we bring it closer and make it more real.

 

He painted his desired future time after time, and achieved it. Through his own successes, such as gaining custody of his daughter and visualizing a home, a family and a career as a full-time artist, Eirik was motivated to help shape visions and empower others fulfill their own dreams. As result over a thousand Affirmative Art workshops have been held globally in schools, universities, corporate settings and communities in various countries, including Norway, Sweden, Romania, Denmark, Ukraine, the USA, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iran.

 

Affirmative Art gives participants clarity of their their dream future and how to achieve it with a sense of focus, direction and confidence. This needs to be supported by concrete actions and a balanced correlation between the vision, as defined through Affirmative Art, and taking action. The initial process of identifying one's vision or purpose is an eye opener towards achieving their aspirations, as many people have not had the opportunity to think about what they want to

get out of life

Our Testimonial

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“Affirmative Art East Africa is successfully realizing its ambitious vision of facilitating tours and excursions that involve around 2000 participants annually."

Affirmative Art East Africa

Meet the Dream Team

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Eirik Jarl Trondsen

Founder & Team Leader

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Eirik Jarl Trondsen

With a residency in Africa spanning 15 years, Eirik established Affirmative Art, amalgamating his experience in non-government organizations and development work. As an artist, entrepreneur, and MIT SPURS fellow (2015/16), he brings a multidimensional perspective to his initiatives. Eirik's deep-rooted connection to the region and his diverse background enrich the vision and impact of Affirmative Art in Africa. Eirik Jarl Trondsen is a professional artist, founder of Affirmative Art and co-founder of Art for Change Foundation with 20 years of experience from managing development projects and businesses in East Africa. Eirik uses Affirmative Art to help people identify heartfelt purpose in life, express their manifold dreams in a community of support to empower them in pursuit of the life vision. With a global presence, Affirmative Art has touched lives in various countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Norway, and Romania, inspiring individuals to unlock their potential and pursue their aspirations. ejtconsult@gmail.com +47 987 69 232

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Norway, Romania, Europe

Managing Director of the Art for Change foundation in Norway, combines her background in IT sales and management with her role as a Child Protection Officer and counselor in Oslo. Her diverse experiences contribute to the foundation's endeavors, infusing it with a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and compassion. Liv's leadership ensures that Art for Change effectively creates positive transformations through art and empowers individuals within the community. liv.due10@gmail.com +47 913 47 048

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Claudia Paraschiv

Uganda, East Africa

Boston, MA, USA

A passionate Visual Artist and Affirmative Art facilitator coordinating Uganda, East Africa. His extensive knowledge of the local arts scene and cultural dynamics allows him to effectively connect with participants and lead workshops in these regions. rkumbuka.art@gmail.com +256 785 632 008

Architect, urbanist, and community artist, possesses extensive expertise in participatory art-making and design. With her diverse skill set, she engages in collaborative artistic processes that involve and empower communities. Claudia played a pivotal role in co-creating the USA16 Tour, an initiative that merges art and community engagement to foster meaningful connections and positive change. Her creative vision and dedication to community-driven art make her an invaluable asset to projects aimed at enhancing social interaction and urban environments.

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Fabio Tedde

Communication and Documnetation

Italian musician and composer, renowned as Pianist without Borders has gained global recognition through performances worldwide. Fabio actively participates in organizing African Affirmative Art tours, documenting workshops through photography and videography. He shares this content on Affirmative Art's social media platforms, aiming to promote and empower the dreams of workshop participants. Fabiotedde@gmail.com +44 7533 173881

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Liv Due

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Kumbuka Ronald

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