A new digital memorial initiative aimed at preserving the names and identities of victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was officially unveiled on Wednesday at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, introducing an innovative blend of art, technology and remembrance.

The project, titled “When the Pillars Bear Grief,” was developed by Austrian artists Bele Marx and Gilles Mussard in collaboration with genocide survivor Ancilla Umubyeyi.

It was presented in partnership with Aegis Trust during an inauguration ceremony held in the Ubutwari Room at the memorial site in Kigali.

Rooted in an interdisciplinary approach that combines memory, art and digital technology, the project introduces the concept of a “virtual name pillar” — an evolving digital structure designed to display and preserve the names of genocide victims within a living memorial environment.

Unlike traditional static monuments, the virtual pillar is envisioned as a responsive and expanding memorial space that continuously evolves as more names and stories are integrated.

Organisers say the initiative seeks to restore dignity and individuality to victims while creating a collective platform for reflection, education and remembrance.

For the first time, the memorial structure now incorporates names preserved in the Genocide Archives of Rwanda, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development.

A powerful emotional dimension of the installation is the recorded voice of remembrance by Ancilla Umubyeyi, whose analog recordings of victims’ names will accompany the visual installation.

Organisers say the auditory component preserves Rwanda’s oral memory traditions while reinforcing the humanity behind each name listed.

With support from the Austrian government, the project has expanded from an initial phase that documented 100 victims to now preserving 1,000 names.

Organisers hope future phases will eventually integrate profiles of at least one million victims into the digital memorial pillars.

Speaking during the inauguration, Alphonse Munyantwali described the initiative as a major step in preserving genocide memory through technology and artistic innovation.

“This project will enable us to preserve names and memories of victims while giving value to their lives. It is an important tool in fighting genocide ideology and denial,” he said.

Munyantwali added that the initiative is expected to expand to other genocide memorial sites across Rwanda and contribute to genocide prevention efforts by preserving history for future generations.

The Ambassador of Austria to Kenya and non-resident ambassador to Rwanda, Christian Fellner, reflected on the responsibility of the international community following the genocide and questioned how the world returned to “business as usual” after the atrocities committed in Rwanda.

Drawing parallels with Austria’s own historical experiences, Fellner stressed that genocides should not be measured against one another but understood compassionately as unique human tragedies.

“We can use our histories to unite in a common goal to never let genocide happen again in the world,” he said.

He also highlighted Austria’s commitment to genocide prevention through foreign policy and support for international justice mechanisms, including tribunals and the International Criminal Court.

The project’s initiators said the memorial aims to redefine how identities of genocide victims can be preserved and experienced through digital expression and interactive art.

They noted that it also seeks to deepen public engagement with remembrance work while creating new educational tools for genocide prevention.

Naphtal Ahishakiye welcomed the initiative, saying it restores value to people whose existence genocide planners sought to erase.

“The ones who died are not just numbers but real lives,” he said. “Using technology to preserve this history opens new ways of remembrance, especially for the youth.”

Ahishakiye said IBUKA would support efforts to gather more names through archives and survivor testimonies to help the project achieve its goals.

“We will specifically focus on mobilising the youth to contribute, learn and become guardians of history, resilience, unity and hope for the future,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Theoneste Rutayisire, Executive Director in charge of Research and Policy at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, commended the project as an important contribution to preserving memory, preventing genocide denial and documenting Rwanda’s history for future generations and the international community.

Organisers said the project ultimately seeks to strengthen collective responsibility toward remembrance and uphold the principle of “Never Again” through long-term cultural and educational engagement.