Kigali is preparing to host Rwanda’s annual international cultural tourism event scheduled for December 19-21 at the Kigali Diplomat hotel.
Guided by the theme “Our Culture, Our Dignity,” Ikirenga Culture Festival 4th Edition seeks to promote the creative industry through performances, dialogues, and networking among artists and professionals working in sectors linked to cultural and creative industries.
Pierre Hakizamana, founder of the Ikirenga Culture Centre and the festival’s chief organizer, told Taarifa in an exclsive interview that the 2024 edition will place a stronger emphasis on dialogue and knowledge sharing, focusing on how art can contribute to boosting Rwanda’s economy.
“This time, it won’t be only performances. The festival will focus on sharing technical knowledge from experienced professional designers, producers, artists, and other industry experts, with the aim of using art to develop our countries and the world at large,” Hakizamana said.
The festival is expected to attract participants from Asia, Europe, and Africa, with confirmed countries including Rwanda, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Pakistan, and India.
As Rwanda is a member of UNESCO, the festival also aims to promote the values of the UNESCO 2005 Convention, encouraging countries to preserve cultural sites for educational and tourism purposes.
While previous editions were held in Musanze, the organizing team chose Kigali this year to draw more attention from additional sectors and increase participation.
Hakizamana emphasized that the festival will help local creative producers develop art content capable of competing on the international market—while maintaining cultural authenticity.
Various local artists are set to showcase their talents and the richness of their cultural heritage throughout the three-day event.
