Spanning 777 square metres, the Gihanga Institute was designed by Rwandan architect Amin Gafaranga and is located in Kigali\u2019s Kimihurura neighbourhood. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, exhibition spaces, performance platforms, a screening room, and artist studios, all intended to foster creativity and provide artists with the resources needed to thrive.<\/p>\n
The opening exhibition, Inuma, curated by Kami Gahiga, co-founder of GICA, presents works by an impressive lineup of contemporary artists from Rwanda and beyond. Featured artists include Francis Offman, Kaneza Schaal, Innocent Nkurunziza, Feline Ntabangana, Christian Nyampeta, Sanaa Gateja, and Cedric Mizero. Each artist\u2019s work reflects themes of memory, migration, survival, and the intersection of contemporary and traditional practices.<\/p>\n
The title “Inuma” (which means “dove” in Kinyarwanda) symbolises the gentle yet powerful nature of the exhibition, which showcases works that communicate across borders and generations. Christian Nyampeta, for instance, explores communal living and cultural memory through a series of zines, charcoal drawings, and a film, while Kaneza Schaal presents a newly commissioned photographic series that challenges conventional perceptions of value and visibility.<\/p>\n
Sanaa Gateja, known for his intricate beadwork, explores the intersection of craft, sculpture, and abstraction, while Francis Offman uses repurposed materials to create art that delves into themes of migration and colonial history. Feline Ntabangana adds a live performance piece that highlights gender, violence, and resilience, while Innocent Nkurunziza presents evocative barkcloth paintings that delve into spirituality and ecological reflection. Cedric Mizero merges photography and sculpture to create an immersive experience that engages with memory and material culture.<\/p>\n
Sandrine Umutoni, Rwanda\u2019s Minister of State for Youth and Arts, called GICA\u2019s inauguration a \u201cvery special moment\u201d for the country\u2019s cultural arts, noting its role as a non-profit platform that makes the arts more accessible to all. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have artists from different disciplines and backgrounds, but we all share one thing in common: our relation to Rwanda,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She added that GICA\u2019s location and accessibility are central to its impact. \u201cTo see the arts come back to Kigali and be presented to such a large audience in an affordable manner allows everyone to access and enjoy the arts. Art connects, it educates, and it has a powerful impact on society. This space brings a higher level to how art should be presented, following global standards, and it sends a strong message that art belongs to everyone, not just the elite,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Othman Lazraq, the founder of Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) in Marrakech, Morocco, expressed his excitement about the space and its potential. <\/p>\n
\u201cArt is a universal language, and this space will give more visibility to artists from Rwanda and beyond. It creates hope for the next generation of artists, offering them a platform where they can build their careers. I\u2019m very proud to be here and support this initiative. It\u2019s an immense addition to the cultural landscape of Rwanda,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Lazraq highlighted GICA’s role in fostering an international exchange, especially for artists from the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis space provides an alternative, non-commercial environment that will be crucial for young artists starting their careers. The neutral, non-profit model here at GICA offers a platform that gives emerging artists the opportunity to think about the future of their craft, and I look forward to returning to see how it evolves.”<\/p>\n
Kami Gahiga, co-founder of GICA, reflected on the institute’s journey and the support it has received from the community. <\/p>\n
“This has been a real labour of love for me, for Kayneza, and for Amin Gafaranga, the architect. It took a village to build this place, and we are so thankful for the support from the community,” she shared. <\/p>\n
“This is a place for Rwandans, by Rwandans. It\u2019s about showcasing our talent, our love for the country, and giving a voice to perspectives that may otherwise be quieter.”<\/p>\n
Gahiga emphasised the importance of GICA as an educational and cultural space. \u201cWe want to create a rich program focused on conversation, education, and the visibility of African art. This is Rwanda’s first non-profit institute dedicated to contemporary art, and it\u2019s about time we had something like this. People often ask, \u2018How can we think so high in Rwanda?\u2019 But this is what Rwanda deserves. We have so much beauty in this country, and it\u2019s time to showcase it.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the heart of the Gihanga Institute is its commitment to promoting African art globally while fostering intellectual and artistic exchanges. The institute\u2019s name, “Gihanga,” honours the legendary Rwandan hero who is credited with introducing essential cultural practices and technologies that shaped Rwandan society. The institute’s founders hope to continue this legacy by offering a space where artists can reflect on Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage while pushing boundaries in contemporary art.<\/p>\n
The institute\u2019s debut exhibition, Inuma: A Bird Shall Carry the Voice, which ran from December 20-21, 2025, was a powerful introduction to the rich and evolving world of contemporary African art.<\/p>\n