Gasabo District has called on artistically gifted youth to form cooperatives so they can be supported to grow their talents and improve their financial situation.

"We are encouraging our young artists to form cooperatives or companies which will make it easier to do advocacy for them, and get them training to further hone their skills,” David Musirikare, in charge of youth at the district, told The New Times on June 11.

He was speaking on the sidelines of an event that marked the final day of an annual arts competition, which saw 34 youths from around the urban district awarded for their artistic works. Each received Rwf100, 000. A total of 60 artists, aged between 18 and 30, took part in the competition, which seeks to promote artistic talents and the Made-in-Rwanda initiative.

"Moreover, the district has a certain budget earmarked for cooperatives; if they joined hands, they might get access to these funds as well,” Musirikare said.

He also called on young people to be focused and to complete their studies. "You can be a young artist and do other meaningful things as well, including finishing your studies.”

‘IP theft a key challenge’

Francis Zahabu, a fashion designer who attended the event, urged Rwandan artists to work hard no matter the challenges "because not giving up pays off.”

"In this industry, there are many challenges but the good thing is that the situation improves with time,” he told this reporter, adding that "people are generally more supportive of Made-in-Rwanda projects than previously, and that’s a huge step forward.”

However, Zahabu said, weaknesses in the law on intellectual property remain a major challenge to the creative industry as imitations and IP theft continue to thrive. For example, he added, "there is this designer that came up with the Imigongo brand but nowadays everyone wakes up and prints the same design, in utter disregard for the effort of the person who initiated it.”

"There is a need to have a separate institution whose mandate is strictly to enforce the law on intellectual property (IP),” he added.

Asked about suggestions that locally made brands are generally expensive compared to imported substitutes, thereby discouraging their uptake, Zahabu said, "I think it’s due to a combination of different things, such as low levels of production, limited market, expensive professional tailors and pricy raw materials.”

Alice Liza Tuyishime, a visual artist from Kimironko Sector, who participated in the competition, said crocheting and making toys have been an important source of income for him during the Covid era.

She said she has been able to use her artistic talents to employ and train teen mothers and divorced women in his community.

‘There's strength, opportunity in teamwork’

Patience Rwumbuguza, another visual artist, and his female partner started a company that produces branded environmentally friendly packaging materials a few years ago and he sees reason to stay on course.

"The Made-in-Rwanda initiative is fruitful and the fact that you can see a lot of innovative products on the local market lately is proof that it is working,” he said. "We have potential and that’s why the government is promoting locally made products.”

Sylvia Igihozo, a traditional singer who lives in Kinyinya Sector, said capital is a lingering challenge but insisted that Rwandan artists are generally resilient and committed to succeed.

"We feel no pressure to prove ourselves and I think we will come through,” she said.

Phrodis Niyonsenga, a pencil artist and wall-art painter from Kacyiru Sector, called on the public to appreciate artistic works just as they do in other sectors.

Pressed for comment on the call for young artists to work together in cooperatives, he said "there is "strength and more opportunity in teamwork.”