Initiated through a partnership between Imbuto Foundation, the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Sports and Culture; the “ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi” project consists of a televised nationwide search for creative youth in different categories including fine arts, dance, music, fashion, acting, drama, photography and literature.

The programme will be a platform for exposure and market for young and talented Rwandans within the creative arts industry, offering them an opportunity to be mentored by industry experts and receive advice on how to transform their talent into sustainable employment opportunities, in an effort to support their artistic development and future career aspirations.

While at the Official launch yesterday at Kigali Cultural Village, the Minister of Youth, Rosemary Mbabazi applauded the initiative which complements the government’s efforts of empowering youth.

"Your presence here means partnership. We take you as people who can contribute to the industry and can be part of the history of those who made this happen." Mbabazi said

‘‘We believe that by developing and supporting these young talents, we will be highly contributing to the national economic development. Artists can change our life for the better and this project will provide opportunities for the youth in regards to employment. I thank Imbuto Foundation for sowing the right seeds that will transform Rwandan youth.’’ She added

According to the Deputy Director General of Imbuto Foundation, Geraldine Umutesi, Rwandan youth are fully capable. They only need people who can support them.

“The uniqueness of this ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi is that it provides a vision and an environment where these arts will stay long after our generation’’ Umutesi told the attendees.

Umutesi further stressed that the industry cannot be developed without contribution from the youth and called on them to participate, encourage, and inspire others to participate in the project.

PS John Ntigengwa from the Ministry of Sports and Culture, observed that the project is a partial answer to youth unemployment, which remains a persistent issue around the world.

"This project is an answer to youth employment gap in our country. Let me take this moment to request youth professionals, the private sector, and young creative minds to reconsider their options and give arts a chance." Ntigengwa noted

According to Statistics, unemployment among Rwandans, especially youth (16-30) is at 21 %, of who 9% completed upper secondary and 6% are graduates of tertiary education.

During the event, Manzi Jackson, a young artist, performed a live display of Acrylic painting on canvas, within 30 minutes. His art which symbolizes the unity an organized youth needs, was sold to the highest bidder on spot at Rwf700 000.

The search for talent will be countrywide, with scheduled road trips slated for 8 - 30 September at 6 sites namely; Kigali, Rubavu, Rusizi, Huye, Nyagatare, Musanze.

The “ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi” Project launch in Pictures

Minister of Youth, Rosemary Mbabazi launched the project

A panel of discussants including PS John Ntigengwa from the Ministry of Sports and Culture, Dr. James Vuningoma, the Executive Secretary at Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture with Imbuto Foundation's DDG, Geraldine Umutesi discussed upon the Creative Arts Industry, Youth Employment and the scope of the project

Dr. James Vuningoma, the Executive Secretary at Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture

Angel Mutoni performing 'Mama and the city' with Mike Kayihura at the Launch

Artist Hassan Gatanazi speaking for the Youth that live with disabilities; requested that they too be remembered and provided with opportunities to enter the creative arts Industry.

Some of Rwanda's most celebrated artists attended the event

The Chairman of National Itorero Commisssion, Edouard Bamporiki requested for elders in the Industry to be involved in the programme to sustain their heritage and inspiration, a request that was immediately heeded