Art is a powerful medium of expression that transcends borders and connects people. However, for many artists, getting their work seen and sold can be a daunting task.

This is where KomezArt, an online art space that empowers Rwandan artists by helping them to sell their art pieces, comes in.

The platform was founded by Judith Kaine. Through it, talented artists can now reach customers beyond Rwanda, Africa, and other regions.

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Lesley Grobler, the Operations Manager of KomezArt explained that the platform acts as a bridge between the artists and their target customers, facilitating the connection between the two.

She shared that the idea for KomezArt came about during the Covid-19 pandemic when many physical art galleries were forced to close their doors, leaving many artists struggling to sell their works.

Recognising the need to support these artists, the KomezArt team seized the opportunity to establish an online platform to showcase and sell their artwork given that Kaine has been residing in Rwanda for a decade, and had a background in dealing with artists and artwork.

Grobler explained that KomezArt operates as an e-commerce platform and initially connects with artists through art galleries.

"After informing the artists about the company’s services, we on-board them and sign a legal document to formalise the partnership,” she said. "In a span of two and a half years, we have represented 97 artists in Rwanda. Our portfolio includes digital artists, photographers, sculptors, and mainly painters working with acrylics.”

Regarding the benefits for artists, Grobler explained that KomezArt provides them with exposure and new markets. As an example, she said, some of the artists the company represents were showcased at the Cape Town Art Fair and were also featured during CHOGM and in Atlanta, USA.

In terms of revenue, artists are given the freedom to determine the selling price of their pieces, and they receive a percentage from the sale, Grobler said.

One of KomezArt’s significant achievements was showcasing its artists at CHOGM, which was made possible through a partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Additionally in November 2022, the company also launched its first digital NFT exhibition.

KomezArt is one of the start-ups under the Women in Business Initiative, a joint initiative between the Embassy of Sweden in Rwanda and the Norrsken Foundation, and aims to support and accelerate the growth of women-led tech-enabled ventures.

Grobler expressed how beneficial the programme has been for them.

"We were able to establish connections with organisations like Education First, which offered us free courses, and 250 Startups, one of the programme partners. Our project with AMI has already begun, and we anticipate that the Women in Business Initiative will remain a valuable resource for us moving forward,” she said.

Furthermore, Grobler noted that through the initiative, KomezArt was provided with a workspace and the opportunity to attend events and connect with potential investors and business partners.

Despite its success, KomezArt still faces challenges, particularly with finances.

Grobler said they are working on finding ways to successfully operate on a low budget while still growing their business. Additionally, they are exploring tactics to approach investors to showcase their product and seek support.

KomezArt’s impact extends beyond its business success. By amplifying the stories of artists beyond Rwanda and supporting their professional development, KomezArt is making a difference in their lives.

Grobler said they believe that by promoting less popular art forms, they are bringing these artists’ voices and stories to a wider audience.

Looking to the future, KomezArt’s plans include opening a physical space within the next three years and expanding its reach beyond Rwanda and into the wider region.

The primary goal of the Women in Business Initiative is to create women role models in their ecosystem, who can build successful ventures and inspire more women to own and run successful businesses.