Croix Sekarara, a versatile artist on Saturday, July 20, officially launched Lifestyle Show at L’ Espace, as a revolutionary platform for underrepresented artistic sectors. The event showcased an impressive fusion of poetry, music, fashion, and art exhibitions, bringing together a diverse array of creative talents. The Lifestyle Show aims to provide a dynamic stage for varied artistic expressions on a monthly basis. Sekarara, mostly known as an event planner, recognized the need for a dedicated space where artists could showcase their work and share their stories. The Lifestyle Show was born from this realization, providing an inclusive environment for artists to connect with their audience and each other. ALSO READ: Beat the heat: Top seven Kigali weekend events “We aim to bring together the entire artistic community, inviting artists from various disciplines, including fashion, sculpture, theater, and more. This innovative platform is designed as a monthly event, with each edition set to feature different artistic forms,” Sekarara said. “For the August edition, I plan to feature a fashion artist along with music, poetry, and book readings. This approach allows people interested in one form of art to experience the work of other artists. The event's location may vary, and we have future plans to expand to larger venues to accommodate more attendees,” he added. Despite the initial low attendance due to limited advertising and a short preparation timeline, Sekarara remains optimistic about the show's growth. The positive reception from people who appreciate the effort to support and unite the creative industry fuels his enthusiasm for future editions. Sandra Nadege, a poet who performed at the event, values The Lifestyle Show for its unique focus on showcasing artists and their lifestyles, providing a platform for poets, authors, singers, and painters to share their creative processes and personal journeys. “The audience was attentive and wonderful and I look forward to the future editions to continued opportunities of different young artiste to celebrate and promote their work and the development of the artistic community in general,” she said. ALSO READ: Ubumuntu Arts Festival marks 10 years of impact, humanity “I have witnessed significant progress in the poetry industry over the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in poetry readings and literary events, marking a substantial improvement from the past when the belief that people don't read or like poems was prevalent. So the process is so promising.” Fred Mfuranzima, an author who showcased his book at the event, said that he uses his talents to foster a culture of peace and encourage young people to pursue their dreams. Mfuranzima appreciates The Lifestyle Show platform for its role in bringing together artists and art lovers, offering a platform to showcase and discuss his work. “This event fosters a sense of community and support among participants. We need more events like this to support and promote our literary and artistic culture,” the author said. Inspired by Isaac Newton's discovery of colors from light, Rwandan a visual artist Joel Mbabarire also got an opportunity to showcase his work at The Lifestyle Show. His exhibition, titled Imyenge, reflects his artistic evolution and growth in style and critical thinking, with a focus on preserving natural resources and promoting peace. Mbabarire values events like The Lifestyle Show for providing a platform to share his work and receive feedback, which helps him improve his creativity and connect with viewers. “Receiving constructive feedback is essential for honing my creativity. Moreover, these events allow me to connect with viewers on a deeper level, fostering a meaningful exchange between the artist and the audience. This kind of engagement is crucial for both personal and artistic growth, and I appreciate that The Lifestyle Show thought about this initiative of young artiste,” he said.