Last weekend, the Kacyiru based Inema Art Centre held its monthly exhibition. 

The exhibition that started at 7p.m had several art lovers flocking to catch a glimpse of perhaps one of Rwanda’s biggest and finest art galleries. For an art gallery that started barely one-and-a-half years ago, the turn up was a fairly big crowd that comprised mainly foreign nationals and tourists.

Inema specialises in contemporary African art, crafts, music and dance. On display were paintings, sculptures and mixed media expressions. In the background soothing music played to create a cool ambiance enhanced by color and art. And as the crowd grew bigger, they were equally given a chance to express themselves through painting.

Emmanuel Nkuranga, one of the founders of Inema arts, intimated that the exhibition is one of the creative activities aimed at creating market awareness, promoting the development of art and keeping in touch with their niche market but above all promoting cultural tourism. 

Getting the crowd involved in painting activities is aimed at building imaginations, creativity, and mental positivity and provides a platform for self expression.

The exhibition that went on till the wee hours of the night had events like dancing by both the crowd and Inema dance troupe. The art center also promotes development of young talent through usual informal weekend trainings. The young artists also showcased their impressive work.

Jane, a business lady in the field of tourism said that the art center is one of the many places that promote tourism in the country. It is one place she always considers to take tourists because of the rich Rwanda culture it tells through art.

Innocent Nkurunziza, co-founder of Inema Art Center, said he is thrilled by the dynamic rhythm of nature, people, colors and texture; a reason that explains his passion. 

"Our dream is to hold art competitions in the subsequent monthly exhibitions as a way of building a permanent bond with creative expression within people,” said Nkurunziza.

But the exhibitions are not confined to Kigali alone. The artists from Inema have had opportunities of showcasing their work in different parts of the world like Denmark, England, France and Holland, among many other countries, which invariably has helped build a reputable name for the center.

It is through these exhibitions that the artists contribute to keeping Rwanda history and culture alive.