Rwanda's Ikirenga ACP and UNESCO review Artistic Freedom Initiative

Rwanda's cultural and creative industries have experienced a notable upward trajectory, driven by concerted efforts to preserve culture and foster artistic expression.

Ikirenga Arts and Culture Promotion, in collaboration with UNESCO, reviews the Artistic Freedom Initiative to ensure its projects are implemented effectively. 

On March 20 and 21, 2024, Rwanda's Ikirenga Arts and Culture Promotion (ACP) offices in Kigali and Musanze hosted an important engagement with UNESCO. Judith Ogana, National Professional Officer for Culture at UNESCO's Regional Office for Eastern Africa, represented UNESCO at the event that market a pivotal moment in the collaborative Ikirenga Artistic Freedom Initiative. 

Supported through the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme funded by the Kingdom of Norway, the Ikirenga Artistic Freedom Initiative aims to advance artistic freedom in Rwanda in line with the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression and the 1980 Recommendation concerning the Status of the Artist. 

Rwanda's cultural and creative industries have experienced a notable upward trajectory, driven by concerted efforts to preserve culture and foster artistic expression. The Ikirenga Artistic Freedom Initiative stands as a cornerstone in this endeavor, offering vital support and resources to local visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, and artisans in Kigali and Musanze Districts.   

Artists and creatives shared their experiences, highlighting how the program equipped them with essential skills and provided platforms for expression. From traditional crafts to contemporary art forms, the initiative has been instrumental in raising awareness of critical areas for improvement in the sector, enhancing the capacity of beneficiaries, and empowering individuals to contribute to Rwanda's cultural vibrancy. 

Discussions also centered on the progress and challenges encountered by the initiative. While celebrating milestones such as increased visibility for Rwandan artists and strengthened collaboration within the creative community, attention was drawn to the imperative of sustainable funding and ongoing capacity-building efforts for long-term success. 

A significant aspect of the engagement was the dialogue among UNESCO, Ikirenga ACP, and the Rwanda Arts Council, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing Rwanda's cultural agenda. This partnership underscores the collective commitment to nurturing Rwanda's artistic heritage and promoting cultural exchange. 

This mid-term review of the project served as an opportunity to set key milestones and pinpoint areas needing attention. In the project's initial phase, comprehensive research was conducted to assess the current status of artistic freedom and expression, ensuring that identified issues were grounded in reality. Challenges, such as achieving gender balance across all sectors of the creative economy, were brought to the forefront. The Ikirenga team committed to taking proactive measures to address this issue effectively. Furthermore, identifying and expanding local and international markets for creative voices emerged as critical areas for growth and development. 

The Ikirenga Artistic Freedom Initiative, with support from UNESCO and the Kingdom of Norway, remains a beacon for artistic freedom and cultural empowerment in Rwanda. Through continued collaboration and support, Rwanda's cultural sector is poised for even greater growth and recognition on the global stage.