Two years ago, Iddy Habyarimana and Elysee Nshimiyimana founded Bwiza Arts and Cultural Village in Rusizi district.

The two fell in love with art at a very early age and started practicing it after finalising their studies at Nyundo School of Arts and Music and today as adults, are making money from what was their childhood passion.

Talking to The New Times, Habyarimana, 23, beieves that Bwiza Arts and Cultural village comes as a solution to both of them and the whole community around them as it is a unique talent hub that gives them income as well as provides knowledge to those in need through trainings.

Habyarimana also revealed that the main aim of Bwiza art gallery is to support and strengthen young talents in their home village, especially young artistic talents, and to train them to make a living out of their talents.

‘‘When you take a look at western province, we don’t have many art galleries, particularly in Rusizi district. I wondered if we don’t have talents or if we lack support. Bwiza Art Gallery comes as a solution to nurture and support the community’s talents, but also for us to have a place where we can expose our artworks,’’ he adds.

Currently, Bwiza Arts And Culture Village provides space for five visual artists of both genders. The art pieces you find at Bwiza Arts include paintings, contemporary African arts, sculptures, Rwanda culture, and other artistic decorations.

‘How it started’

These two artists’ story began after finalizing their secondary school at Nyundo school of arts and music, and had struggled to find a place where they could showcase their artworks and expose their talents.

‘‘I had always dreamed of becoming a famous artist, and when I got the chance to join Nyundo School f Arts and Music, I thought my dream had come true. I didn't realise that the journey was still too long. I struggled to find a place where I could exhibit my art pieces in my home village but there wasn't any place and the only option I was left with was to take my artworks to galleries in Kigali,'' Habyarimana told The New Times.

‘’The idea of opening up our art gallery popped in 2015, but my friend Elysee and I were not able to implement the project as it required materials,'' he added.

He highlighted that the art gallery in their village is creating awarenes in the creative art industry as many people in their community haven’t had a chance to explore the beauty of art before. In addition, it is becoming an inspirational space for many.

‘‘When you take a look at the amazing art pieces, it leaves you inspired particularly for those who are artistically talented. The gallery is a strong source of inspiration, according to the feedback we are receiving,’’ Habyarimana said.

For Nshimiyimana, 21, he believes that creativity is hidden inside a blank canvas. The village provides sessions for live painters and other visitors, mainly the youth, and everyone gets to go home with his/her painted artwork.

"I am a contemporary painter and illustrator. I sometimes do simple animations. I love art not only as my profession but also as a passion, and I love to see my local community enjoying the arts. Art is something that catches the attention of mind, everyone can fall in love with their unique style of arts,'' he shared.

However, just like other startups, Bwiza is not without challenges. The founders said the pandemic was the main challenge as many people are no longer interested in visiting such art places. They also added that society is also not yet fully aware of the beauty in the artistic world.

"I am still struggling with people’s lack of appreciation for art on the local market. The locals can afford to support artists but they still do not understand how important art is to them. The majority of our clients are foreigners which I don’t think should be the case,’’ Habyarimana noted.

Currently, Bwiza Arts and Cultural Village offers different services including six months of training in arts for those in need and who are artistically talented, selling artworks from both local and foreign customers, and providing a working and exhibition space for five visual artists.

The village also looks forward to recruit other visual artists in need.