At least 200 artistes from 25 countries will convene in Kigali this month for the first edition of the Kigali Triennial, a multi-discipline art festival celebration of African arts aimed at promoting creative arts, culture and tourism in Rwanda and the African continent in particular.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth and Arts in collaboration with the City of Kigali and the Rwanda Arts Initiative, the festival is scheduled to take place on February 16-25, both in the capital of Rwanda and upcountry.
The first kind of this event will be held under the theme “Where art, knowledge, and economy converge” showcasing dynamic artistic talent, fostering international collaboration, and positioning Kigali as a global cultural hub.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, February 12, the Minister of State for Youth and Arts, Sandrine Umutoni, highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting arts as a means of promoting youth development.
She stated that the Government of Rwanda acknowledges the role of arts in youth development and actively supports artistic events such as the Kigali Triennial.
“Art can be an important force capable of strengthening our national unity, while also acting as a catalyst for job creation, economic prosperity, and contributing to the overall enrichment of our society’s cultural heritage,” Umutoni noted.
Umutoni stated that during the festival, the ministry expects to seal partnership deals with sponsors, renown artists to promote the local industry beyond Rwanda but also help follow up to ensure that there is a continuity beyond the festival.
Beyond the performances, the Kigali Triennial will offer forums, workshops, and masterclasses for cultural professionals and the public alike.
Kigali City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva expressed enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing its role in fostering international collaboration.
“We are thrilled to host the Kigali Triennial in our beautiful and clean City of Kigali. We encourage city residents to show up in big numbers for performances and we have no doubt that they will find something that’s just right for them, given the diversity of the programme,” said Mayor Dusengiyumva.
The festival boasts of an impressive lineup featuring renowned creative art stars such as Dorcy Rugamba, filmmakers Sonia Rolland and Katy Ndiaye, Senegalese gallerist and designer Benita Cissé, and actors Atome and Isabelle Kabano.
Music legend Khadja Nin will curate the closing concert which will feature local talents like Kivumbi, Mike Kayihura, Bushali, Kaya Byinshi and Alyn Sano.
Performances will take place at prominent venues throughout Kigali, including Camp Kigali, Canal Olympia, Ciné Mayaka in Nyamirambo, and Marriott Hotel.
The 10-days festival will also be held in popular art spots and designated entertainment areas such as the Biryogo car- free zone (known as “Mu Marange”), Kigali Car- free zone in the heart of Kigali, and Kigali Cultural Village. The event will also go to Burera, Rubavu and Musanze districts.
The Triennial Festival comes at a time when Kigali is positioning itself as a sports and entertainment hub, having hosted global music events such as the Trace Awards and Move Africa, all of which generated over $91 million in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) for the country.
