History of contemporary art in Rwanda 🇷🇼

Contemporary art is the term used for art of the present day. Usually the artists are alive and still making work. There are many passionate, talented Rwandan contemporary artists you should know about such as Innocent Nkurunziza, Muhunguyisoni Theodomire, Emmanuel Nkuranga, and Medard Bizimana.

Contemporary art is often about ideas and concerns, rather than solely the aesthetic (the look of the work). Artists try different ways of experimenting with ideas and materials.

Here is a list of the top contemporary art galleries that you should read about.

Rwanda Art Museum Kigali

It is formerly the Presidential Palace Museum, this new museum displays contemporary artworks from Rwanda as well as abroad. The museum seeks to provide an insight into the originality of Rwandan creativity. Exploring the development of art from olden times to the modern day, it considers how traditional and modern imaginations can blend and fuse.

The flight debris from the presidential jet that went down on 6th April 1994 remain in situ in the garden and this will remain a heritage site. The sprawling Rwanda Art Museum Kigali facility is located in Kanombe, about four kilometers from the Kigali International Airport. Although it’s the only contemporary art museum the country has at the moment, it is not the first art museum in the country. From 2006 until 2018, the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda operated an art museum in Rwesero-Nyanza, in a building that was built in the 1950s, and that was supposed to become a new royal palace for King Mutara III Rudahigwa.

Inside the museum, one is greeted by art works that were initially exhibited at Rwesero, in addition to other relevant artworks that were recently acquired from different Rwandan artists. According to officials from the INMR, the idea to transform the building into an art museum came from suggestions left by visitors, while other suggestions came from local visual artists. In all, there are 127 artworks produced by 51 different artists on display on the museum walls. The pieces range from sculptures, paintings, to mixed media and ceramics.

Art Galleries in Kigali

There are many incredible art galleries around Kigali, and Rwanda as a whole, but listed below are some of the highly recommended by other people.

INEMA Arts Center

Founded in 2012 by brothers and self-taught painters Emmanuel Nkuranga and Innocent Nkurunziza, Inema Arts Center spurs creativity for personal, social and economic growth.

Today, Inema Arts Center has become a beacon in Rwanda for cultivating creative expression. Inema Arts Center is a collective of Rwandan creative artists. At its core, Inema Arts Center provides space for 5 artists in residence to explore their creative talent. Additionally, it attracts collectors from all over the world who travel specifically to buy art.

IVUKA Arts

Founded in 2007 by artist Colin Sekajugo, Ivuka Arts started as a center to introduce modern art to Rwanda. A group of seven at the outset, the artists had a place to work together and work with the local community. The lack of arts education in Rwanda inspired the group to invite young locals to learn to paint.

Encouraging young artists has kept Ivuka moving – and growing. In the beginning the artists were just surviving on the earnings from their art. Now, the ever-expanding group (15+ artists in 2012) are internationally recognized. They’ve done exhibits and installations in the US, the UK, Japan, and Rwanda, of course.

AZIZI LIFE Studio

Azizi Life Studio specialises in traditional crafts like Imigongo, woven baskets, jewelry, wood carving, and pottery; Azizi not only provides these as finished products for different purposes, but they also provide courses on how to make them on your own.

Niyo Arts Center

It is a place for creativity to thrive; a safe haven where Rwandan artists can come and experiment with their art form, be it painting, sculpture, dance, music or drumming. The artists in residence come from all over Africa, so you can expect to see a vast array of African art on display.

Founded by orphan Pacifique Niyonsenga to showcase pieces by its house artists (some of whom are children) and support children living in poverty with their education and basic needs.

The center recognizes that the arts have a unique power to unite people, promote empathy, build self-confidence, and catalyze social change. We offer classes in music, dance, theater, visual arts, and creative writing. The goal is to provide students with the skills and confidence they need to express themselves creatively and make positive contributions to their communities.

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