New festival to warm up Kigali, promote talent among youth

The highly anticipated festival to be held under the theme “Where art, knowledge and economy converge” is expected to create exposure for local artists, create jobs and showcase Rwanda’s achievements in arts and culture.

The organizer, Rwanda Arts Initiative, has collaborated with the Ministry of Youth and Arts and the City of Kigali to promote the festival, which will be taking place every three years.

The Kigali Triennial Festival will include diverse programmes, featuring 60 performances, exhibitions, and events across music, dance, fashion, theatre, film, gastronomy, visual arts, and more.

The festival will showcase dynamic artistic talent, foster international collaboration, and position Kigali as a global cultural hub, according to the organizers.

Speaking to the Press on 12 February 2024, the Minister of State for Youth and Arts, Sandrine Umutoni, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting arts as a means of promoting youth development and exhibiting Rwanda’s culture.

“This is an opportunity for the City of Kigali to showcase how far arts can reach in terms of creating bonds with different countries, different cultures, and again in a strategic partnership,” Umutoni said.

She further noted that the festival will enable the young talents to explore what is happening outside the country as well as enabling foreigners visiting Rwanda to explore what is happening in the country.

Recently, the government moved arts portfolios to the Ministry of youth after observing that most of the practitioners in the creative industry are young people.

“The Government of Rwanda acknowledges the vital role of arts in youth development and actively support artistic endeavors. 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 further said.

Mayor of City of Kigali, Samuel Dusengumuremyi expressed enthusiasm for the festival, emphasizing its significance and its role in fostering increased international collaboration and spotlighting Kigali city to the world. He urged the spectators, including youth, to attend the event in big crowds, to gain thrilling and insightful moments.

Beyond the performances, the Kigali Triennial will offer forums, workshops, and masterclasses, for cultural professionals and the public alike.