Rwanda: Ikirenga ACP, alongside UNESCO, launched the Ikirenga Artistic Freedom Initiative

UNESCO-sponsored research on Rwandan art and culture was published on Saturday, January 27, 2024, by Ikirenga ACP.

Ikirenga Arts and Culture Promotion revealed that they have been collecting data on Rwandan art for over three years, with a particular emphasis on issues that jeopardize both culture and the arts.

This study, supported by UNESCO through its UNESCO-Aschberg Programme, examined the issues facing Rwanda’s arts sector, potential fixes, and strategies for coordinating development initiatives. It was conducted in partnership with other institutions.

These problems include not having enough resources, not having a place to belong, not knowing how to produce the art they make, not having originality, and not knowing how to protect it.

It was discovered that the more than two thousand respondents to the survey indicated that artists require training, directions in the creation of their work, and an understanding of their potential for empowerment.

Others have stated that they not only need assistance in locating a suitable source of income for their work but also an increase in their financial capacity to invest in art.

This study was officially launched in a ceremony held at the ParkInn Hotel on Saturday, January 27, 2024, with the participation of officials from various embassies working in Rwanda, regions, universities, private institutions, and others.

Among the participants were the UNESCO delegation, the Impundu Cultural Group from Uganda, universities including the University of Kigali, African Leadership University, and East African University, and districts including Nyagatare, Ruhango, Nyarugenge, and Burera.

Representatives of UNESCO and various countries extended gratitude to Ikirenga ACP, which organized and conducted this study, adding that it is an important step that will help increase the value of art in Rwanda.

Peter Hakizimana, the executive director of this organization, told INTO RWANDA that this study was carried out to find a solution to the problems facing Rwandan art, which makes it not productive enough for those who make it.

He said that seeing that there are companies and different countries that have supported this research shows that there are partners who are ready to come together and find a solution to these problems.

He said, “It is research we have done to find solutions to the problems facing the art of Rwanda. We are grateful to our partners, including UNESCO, and others who helped us make this research possible.”

He said that they are going to start a workshop to train these artists, find them a market, and increase their ability to do what they do daily.

The event participants also visited various artworks made by sculptors working with Ikirenga ACP, played traditional music, and recited various traditional poems.