The Ministry of Youth and Arts (MoYA) will from September 22 to October 15 carry out a nationwide mapping of artistes aimed at establishing Rwanda’s first comprehensive and up-to-date database of artists and creative institutions. The exercise, which is a partnership between the government of Rwanda and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the European Union, will run across all 30 districts of the country. According to Brave Olivier Ngabo, the Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Youth and Arts, the initiative is part of a broader EU/UNESCO–supported project entitled “Empowering Rwanda’s Arts Sectors: Strengthening the Role of the Rwanda Arts Council.” “Currently, information about the number, location, and economic contribution of artists is fragmented, which makes it difficult to design effective policies, secure investment, or provide targeted support,” Ngabo explained. “Through this mapping, the Ministry of Youth and Arts, together with the Rwanda Arts Council and partners, aim to create a clear picture of Rwanda’s cultural and creative industries and ensure the sector is visible in national planning and development priorities.” For artists, the benefits are both immediate and long-term. Being included in the national database will boost visibility and open doors to training, funding, and participation in skill-building and market-expansion programs. The findings will also help guide reforms in areas such as intellectual property protection, financing access, and international cultural exchanges. Importantly, the mapping exercise will inform the structuring of the Rwanda Arts Council from the district level upwards, giving artists stronger representation, a unified voice in policy discussions, and more opportunities to engage with both government and private sector partners. Ultimately, the official says, the project will contribute to job creation, fairer opportunities, and a more vibrant and sustainable creative economy for Rwanda. Artists are encouraged to participate by registering with mapping agents in their respective sectors or youth centers. They will be required to present valid identification at the time of registration.
