Rwanda is eagerly anticipating the inaugural Kigali Triennial Festival, a celebration of African arts and culture aimed at stimulating the development of the Rwandan creative and cultural industry. The festival aims to attract investors, producers, and broadcasters from the global market to Rwanda.
Scheduled to take place from February 16 to 25, the 10-day event, occurring every three years, will feature over 200 artists from 25 countries. Audiences can expect a diverse program featuring 60 performances, exhibitions, and events across various art forms including music, dance, fashion, theatre, film, gastronomy, and visual arts.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth and Arts, City of Kigali, and the Rwanda Arts Initiative, the festival is themed “Where art, knowledge, and economy converge.” It aims to showcase dynamic artistic talent, enhance international collaboration, and position Kigali as a global cultural hub.
The festival’s lineup includes renowned figures such as actress Sonia Rolland, Katy Ndiaye, Isabelle Sarah Kabano, Senegalese gallerist and designer Benita Cissé, actors Diogene Ntarindwa (known as Atome), and Dorcy Rugamba, the director, playwright, and artistic director of the Kigali Triennial, along with filmmakers.
“This is really 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. We are seeing this an opportunity to bring this to the next level the need for new cultural spaces in our country. Such opportunities 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, all aim at elevating arts and promoting creative economy”. The ministry of State for Youth and Arts, Sandrine Umutoni, said
She noted that “the Government of Rwanda acknowledges the vital role of arts in youth development and actively supports artistic endeavors 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”.
Mayor of City of Kigali, Samuel Dusengumuremyi also expressed enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing its significance and its role in fostering increased international collaboration and spotlighting Kigali city to the world. He urged the spectators to attend the spectacular event in big crowds for gaining thrilling and insightful moments.
“We are thrilled to host the Kigali Triennial in our beautiful and clean city Kigali. We encourage city residents to show up in big numbers for performances that will take place and we have no doubt that they will find something that is just right for them, given the diversity of the programme”. He said
Music legend Khadja Nin will curate the closing concert, featuring local talents like Mike Kayihura, rapper Bushali, vocalist Kaya Byinshi, and Alyn Sano. Performances will be held at prominent venues throughout Kigali, including Camp Kigali, Canal Olympia, Ciné Mayaka in Nyamirambo, and Marriott Hotel.
