The first Kigali Triennial, a dynamic, multidisciplinary art festival celebrating African artists with the goal of advancing the continent’s creative arts, culture, and tourism, will take place in Rwanda.
The festival, the brainchild of Rwanda Arts Initiative (RAI), will convene more than 200 artists from 25 nations for performances in Kigali and the surrounding areas between February 16 and 25, 2024.
The Kigali Triennial will not be like other festivals that have previously taken place on the continent, such the FESPAD, which only focuses on dance, music, and cultural exchange. Instead, the Kigali Triennial will feature roughly ten distinct art disciplines crammed into ten days.
Theatre, dance, visual arts, cinema, art and technology, literature, fashion, design, music, gastronomy (the art and practice of selecting, preparing, and consuming delicious food), workshops, and forums are among the multidisciplinary fields covered. (for knowledge sharing).
The Ministry of Youth and Arts, the City of Kigali, and the Rwanda Arts Initiative work together to jointly organize the Kigali Triennial, which will happen every three years.
The festival’s theme for this year is “Where art, knowledge, and economy converge.” It will feature seminars for training and knowledge sharing, highlight vibrant artistic talent, encourage international cooperation, and establish Kigali as a hub for culture throughout the world.
This February 12, 2024, Sandrine Umutoni, the Minister of State for Youth and Arts, stressed the government’s dedication to advancing youth development through the arts.
According to Umutoni, the Rwandan government actively promotes artistic undertakings like the Kigali Triennial and recognizes the critical role that the arts play in the development of young people.
In addition to working as a catalyst for job development and economic prosperity, art can play a significant role in bolstering national unity and enhancing the cultural heritage of our society as a whole, according to Minister Umutoni.
According to Umutoni, the ministry hopes to sign partnerships with sponsors and well-known performers during the festival to advance the local economy outside of Rwanda while also assisting with post-festival follow-up to guarantee continued success.
Renowned creative art stars like actors, directors, playwrights, and artistic directors of the Kigali Triennial Dorcy Rugamba, filmmakers Sonia Rolland and Katy Ndiaye, Senegalese gallerist and designer Benita Cissé, and actors Atome and Isabelle Kabano are among the festival’s stellar lineup.
The concluding event, which will include local artists including Kivumbi, Mike Kayihura, Bushali, Kaya Byinshi, and Alyn Sano, will be curated by music veteran Khadja Nin.
Renowned locations in Kigali, such as Camp Kigali, Canal Olympia, Ciné Mayaka in Nyamirambo, and the Marriott Hotel, will host performances.
In addition to the performances, the Kigali Triennial will provide discussions, master courses, and workshops for both the general audience and cultural professionals.
Mayor of Kigali City Samuel Dusengiyumva expressed excitement for the occasion, highlighting both its importance and its potential to promote more international cooperation.
“We are ecstatic to welcome the Kigali Triennial to our lovely and tidy city of Kigali.” Mayor Dusengiyumva stated, “We encourage city dwellers to attend performances in large numbers. Given the diversity of the program, we are confident they will find something that’s just right for them.”
The 10-day event is scheduled to take place in well-known art locations and areas designated for amusement, including the Kigali Car-free Zone in the center of Kigali, the Kigali Cultural Village, and the Biryogo Car-free Zone (often referred to as “Mu Marange”). Districts in Burera, Rubavu, and Musanze will also be included in the event.
