Artist Spotlight: Antonio Ssebuuma Bukhar
Each week, we’re shining a light on the incredible artists we collaborate with at The Middle Floor. We work on a diverse range of projects with our artists – and now, it’s time for you to get to know more about the artists behind the work.
Who are you, and how would you describe your work?
I’m Antonio Bukhar Ssebuuma, originally from Uganda and currently a lecturer at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in the UK. I see myself as both an artist and a dance educator. Over time, my work has evolved into interdisciplinary practice and artistic research.
How do you approach creating or preparing for a new project?
My process usually begins with a question or theme that speaks to where I am in life. With my current project Mutuba, I was drawn to the regenerative qualities of the Mutuba tree in Uganda. I spend time in the field, learning from the environment and people connected to the practice, then move into the studio to explore ideas through improvisation. I work with different dance styles—hip hop, traditional Ugandan dance, breaking—and a lot of journaling and reflection helps me stay grounded in what I want to communicate.
Are there any recurring themes in your work?
Yes—definitely. Culture, self-discovery, and the relationship between nature and humans come up again and again. At the heart of it, I use dance to try to understand myself and the world around me. That carries across everything I do—as an artist, educator, and community practitioner.
What’s been one of your most rewarding projects so far, and why?
Mutuba has been the most rewarding. It doesn’t feel like I’m working toward a product—it feels like I’m living through it. There’s no pressure to impress with big moves. Instead, it’s about honest expression and self-realisation. And when that connects with audiences too, it’s deeply fulfilling.
How do you balance creative work with the practical side of being an artist?
Having a stable role at NSCD gives me income security, so my outside projects are passion-driven rather than survival-driven. Of course, I still juggle both worlds, but they complement each other. I wouldn’t want to only do one or the other.
© Lucy Forrester.
Any upcoming projects we should look out for?
Yes—Mutuba is still ongoing and entering its third phase of research. If you’re interested in following the journey or seeing future performances, check out my Instagram: @antonio_bukhar