Who We Are
The Barkcloth Center is a multidisciplinary hub established by Xenson Art Space to strengthen Uganda's barkcloth industry through innovation, skills development, sustainable production, and market access.
The Center promotes barkcloth as a cultural heritage material and a driver of the green economy supporting sustainable livelihoods, environmental conservation, and climate resilience. Through its commitment to growing one million Mitumba trees (Ficus natalensis), the Center advances ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and the long-term sustainability of the barkcloth value chain.
Why Use Bark Cloth Material
Barkcloth connects tradition, sustainability, and contemporary design.
100% Natural Fiber
Harvested from the Mutuba fig tree with no synthetic inputs — entirely organic from source to product.
Biodegradable
Fully biodegradable at end of life, leaving no lasting environmental footprint — a truly circular material.
No Industrial Processing
Made without chemical treatments or industrial machinery — produced entirely through skilled hand craftsmanship.
Our Mission
To preserve traditional barkcloth knowledge while driving contemporary development, innovation, and enterprise growth.
Our Vision
To position barkcloth as a globally recognized sustainable material rooted in Ugandan heritage.
The Challenge
Declining transmission of traditional knowledge.
Limited structured training for artisans.
Fragmented value chain and weak global positioning.
Lack of material research and innovation infrastructure.
The Opportunity
Growing global demand for sustainable materials.
Uganda uniquely positioned as barkcloth origin.
Potential for green industry and cultural economy growth.
What We Do
Develop tools and resources for artisans
Offer structured training programs
Promote sustainable barkcloth agroforestry
Support product innovation
Provide a centralized marketplace
