Google, Rwanda launch platform to promote culture, art

Have you ever wondered where in this era of misinformation, one would get authentic information that tells the Rwandan story accompanied with images? Or where one would see heritage objects that show our identity that we didn’t even know existed?In a partnership between the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA) and Google Arts & Culture, a platform with all this, and more, digitized, was created.Launched on May 17 at the Rwanda Art Museum (former presidential palace), the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy gallery will also be an opportunity for visual artists to showcase their talents, giving demonstrations through images, videos, as well as 360 captures.“This is a milestone for us who work in preserving the culture and heritage, but especially Rwanda. It will help us preserve and promote our heritage and culture. The platform currently consists of past exhibitions on the history of Rwanda, visuals of museums and heritage sites, and exhibitions that promote art and craft in Rwanda,” Chantal Umuhoza, who is in charge of exhibitions at RCHA told the media.She added that alongside these exhibitions, there are also photos of objects that haven’t been at public display. She said: “Many people who visit museums have access to exhibitions, but are not lucky enough to visit the reserves. This project gives authentic information on Rwanda’s culture and heritage, and what is most interesting is that it will be accessible by everyone all over the world.”Alex Okosi, the Managing Director at Google Africa said that this milestone is important for Rwandans because it shares their culture to them, as well as the rest of the world who would wish to know it.“The world gets to see the rich culture and the beauty of Rwanda. If I am Rwandan, there is nothing that will give me greater pride than to know that the world now understands my culture from whatever corner they are,” he noted..Jemima Kakizi, artist and curator, who has been advocating for women in the art sector, told The New Times that being on Google Arts and Culture, also from RCHA also means that you are an established artist or known in your country, which can give you more opportunities.“When you see someone on that platform, you know this is someone credible. It will also increase our visibility. There is growth in the digital art scene and I am happy that even women artists have an article on the platform,” she added.The project started in 2021, but its implementation was implemented from 2022. So far, 58 stories and 1,500 photos have been uploaded.Robert Masozera, the Director General of RCHA explained that besides being easily accessible, the platform is easy to use because anyone from the academy can upload information.He added that the digitization of historical data is one of the lessons from Covid-19 period, where people accelerated the use of digital technology.“We have started to celebrate the International Museum Day (marked annually on May 18), and this activity was among the planned. This year is also special because we mark it when Rwanda has different World Heritage Sites,” he added.

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Google, Rwanda launch platform to promote culture, art