Going places: Nkurunziza features at North Carolina’s famous art residency

Talking of art taking people places, co-founder of Inema Art Centre Innocent Nkurunziza was the only African artist at the just concluded- No boundaries Art Colony, that took place in North Carolina. It featured fifteen participants from across the world including Rwanda’s Nkurunziza. The art residency was held at Bald Head Island, a village only accessible by a ferry. At the art residency, the artists convened for two weeks of uninterrupted artistic focus. The artists had time for reflection, research, presentation and production. The event also allowed them to explore their practices and creations within another community and a chance to meet new people they share a passion with. The residency ran from November 1st to 15. No Boundaries, Inc. was founded in 1998 to bring artists from around the world together to enlighten each other and the larger community through sharing art, culture and ideas. The residency hosted artists with various approaches; painters, sculptors, mixed media artists, a filmmaker, photographer, poet and handmade papermaker. The artists came from china, Australia, various parts of USA and Africa. “The artists savor two solid weeks away from daily tasks and the demands of modern living. It’s incredible what emerges each year; imaginative works, lasting relationships and a renewed commitment to the artistic resolve,” said Michelle Connolly, president of the Board of Directors for No Boundaries Inc. “We are thrilled with our slate of artistic talent, there’s already a profound sense of excitement and energy going into this year’s art colony,” she added. On invitation, Nkurunziza was described as “a leader in a growing arts movement seeking to cultivate arts education opportunities for future generations of Rwandans.” He described the opportunity as a chance to meet likeminded artists who he shares a passion with and whom he can pick lessons from as well as share some himself. This is not the first time Nkurunziza has participated in an art residency; last year he was an artist in residence at the Boseman Gallery at University of North Carolina in Willington amongst others around the world.

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Going places: Nkurunziza features at North Carolina’s famous art residency