Ivuka Arts

There’s a good chance some of you are already acquainted with Ivuka Arts. If you somehow missed the memo, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to some of Kigali’s finest.

Founded in 2007 by artist Colin Sekajugo, Ivuka Arts started as a center to introduce modern art to Rwanda.  A group of seven at the outset, the artists had a place to work together and work with the local community. The lack of arts education in Rwanda inspired the group to invite young locals to learn to paint.

Encouraging young artists has kept Ivuka moving – and growing. In the beginning the artists were just surviving on the earnings from their art.  Now, the ever-expanding group (15+ artists in 2012) are internationally recognized. They’ve done exhibits and installations in the US, the UK, Japan, and Rwanda, of course.

So now you really want to check out the center. Visitors are warmly welcomed to see the gallery, watch the artists at work, and just hang out and enjoy the great company and the view. Ivuka is open every day between 8am and 7pm.

Ivuka Arts is nestled in sunny Kacyiru. From the ministries road, if you were heading towards the US Embassy, take the dirt road on your right right after Umubano Hotel (before the pink executive apartments). Take the second left (there’s a red bar on the opposite corner of the intersection) and keep walking. Then walk some more. And a bit more still. When you come to funky sculptures and brightly painted walls on your right, you have arrived! It’s a 15 minute walk from the Umubano bus stop.

If you can’t manage a visit in the near future (even though you now know who, what, when, and where… ) you best head to Heaven Restaurant in Kiyovu in June to see a newly launched exhibit. Heaven Restaurant often displays their artwork.

For more information and to learn how you can get involved, check out the Ivuka Arts website. Or just stop in already, and see for yourself what Ivuka is doing in Rwanda and around the globe.

Phone: +250 (0)788 620560 or +250 (0)783 594382
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ivukaarts.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/131947962259/