Rwanda has recently launched a new arts festival aimed at providing a platform for African artists and curators to explore new narratives, build relationships, and showcase the vibrancy of the African cultural scene. Organized by the Rwanda Arts Initiative (RAI) art center, the City of Kigali, and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts, the Kigali Triennial is a pan-African event that encompasses a variety of art forms such as literature, theater, dance, music, cinema, fashion, digital arts, gastronomy, and design.
Running from Feb. 16 to 25 in the capital city of Kigali, the festival is themed “Where art, knowledge, and business converge.” According to Rwandan actor and writer James Kennedy Mazimpaka, events like the Kigali Triennial offer a platform for the younger generation to appreciate the beauty and richness of African culture through various performances, including cultural dances.
Mazimpaka expressed his hopes of connecting with artists from around the world during the festival, emphasizing the mutual exchange of knowledge and inspiration. With over 200 artists from 25 countries participating in 60 shows, the festival aims to celebrate African excellence while also positioning Kigali as a rising cultural hub.
Mazimpaka, who considers himself “born an actor,” highlighted the significance of cultural identity and the importance of exposing the younger generation to the diversity and depth of African culture. Sandrine Umutoni, Rwanda’s minister of state for youth and arts, emphasized the festival’s role in youth development, fostering social bonds, and enriching society’s cultural heritage.
The Kigali Triennial, the first of its kind, was initiated with the goal of educating both the public and professional artists, according to organizer Jules Cezar Niyonkuru. Niyonkuru, who is also an author, actor, and theater director, described the festival as an “art market” that will occur every three years, uniting African artists and disciplines to promote professionalization and cultural exchange.
