KIGALI – The 12th edition of the Ubumuntu Arts Festival officially opened at the Kigali Genocide Memorial with a powerful call for dialogue, inclusion, and the transformative role of art in building a more peaceful and compassionate world.
Bringing together artists, cultural leaders, policymakers, development partners, diplomats, and audiences from across the globe, the festival reaffirmed its mission of using the arts to foster empathy, strengthen human connections, and inspire hope.
Opening the ceremony, Canada’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Julie Crowley, described the festival as far more than a celebration of artistic expression. She said it creates spaces where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are strengthened, and communities are inspired to imagine a better future together.
Reflecting on conversations held earlier in the week during the Cave of Hope Forum, Crowley noted that creativity and cultural diplomacy have an important role to play in shaping sustainable and inclusive societies.
«”Arts have a unique ability to build bridges between people and communities, encouraging understanding, inspiring empathy, and strengthening the relationships that bind us together.”»
She said this year’s theme, “Embracing Time: Holding On, Holding Together,” underscores the importance of remembering the past while choosing to move forward together with hope, compassion, and purpose.
«”It reminds us that our shared humanity is one of our greatest strengths,” Crowley said.»
The opening ceremony took place at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, one of the festival’s principal venues. Coming just weeks after the conclusion of the 100-day commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the memorial served as a powerful reminder of the enduring lessons of remembrance, reconciliation, and collective responsibility.
According to Aegis Trust, which manages the memorial, the site is not only a place of remembrance but also a centre for learning, reflection, and hope. It challenges visitors to confront the devastating consequences of hatred and division while encouraging societies to build a future founded on dignity, justice, compassion, and shared humanity.
«”Through the power of arts and culture, we can inspire dialogue, promote empathy, and strengthen the values of Ubumuntu—our shared humanity—which are essential to building peaceful and inclusive communities,” Crowley added.»
Aegis Trust also commended its longstanding partnership with Mashirika Performing Arts and Media Company, emphasizing that initiatives combining education, dialogue, and artistic expression continue to play a vital role in promoting peace, preventing violence, and strengthening social cohesion.
The organization welcomed artists and performers from across the world, saying their participation demonstrates that creativity transcends borders and cultures.
«”Art has a unique power to connect people across cultures and borders,” Crowley noted.»
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ubumuntu Arts Festival Founder and Curator Hope Azeda emphasized that the festival continues to champion the values of shared humanity, bringing people together through stories that encourage healing, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
She said this year’s theme, “Embracing Time: Holding On, Holding Together,” invites people to reflect on the past while strengthening the bonds that unite communities and inspire hope for the future.
«”Our shared humanity is one of our greatest strengths,” Azeda said, urging artists and audiences alike to continue using creativity as a force for peace and positive change.»
Following the official opening, audiences were treated to captivating performances by artists from Portugal, Israel, Rwanda, and Japan.
The productions showcased diverse artistic traditions while exploring universal themes of resilience, memory, identity, healing, and hope. Together, they captured the spirit of Ubumuntu, reinforcing the festival’s message that despite different histories, cultures, and experiences, humanity is united through its shared values and aspirations.
The Ubumuntu Arts Festival continues over the coming days with an extensive programme of theatre productions, music, dance, public discussions, workshops, and cultural exchanges designed to encourage dialogue, deepen understanding, and celebrate the enduring power of art as a catalyst for peace, reconciliation, and social transformation.A strong headline alternative is:
“Our Shared Humanity Is One of Our Greatest Strengths”: Ubumuntu Arts Festival Opens with Powerful Call for Peace and Unity
