In the aftermath of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis of Rwanda, 8 determined Rwandese women—judges, lawyers, educators, journalists, financik analysts, artists and arts lovers—came together, driven by the idea of placing arts and culture at the forfront of Rwanda’s human and economic reconstruction. In 2007, they established Ishyo Arts Centre, an establishment and “new instrument” for cultural and economic change.
Nearly two decades later, Ishyo became one of the most active cultural organisations and venues in Rwanda and the sub-region. A woman-led initiative recognised as both a “Creative Lab” and a “professional hub for artistic creation and dissemination, its mission is to make culture accessible to all. Ishyo supports and protects freedom of creation, strengthens the capacities of the creative sector’s stakeholders, produces and showcases local, regional and international talent in contemporary performing arts spaces. Its core activities include the creation, production, and dissemination of artistic works, professional training, project management, and advocacy.
Since its establishment in 2007, Ishyo has produced over 90 performances—spanning theatre, music, dance, street arts, literature–across Africa, Europe, and Latin America. It has organised 4 international festivals: Kina Festival (for young audiences), Kuya Kwetu (residencies), Home Sweet Home (home theater), and the International Francophone Book Meetings in Rwanda. Notable productions include: We Call It Love by Felwine Sarr, Murs-murs by Zainabu Jallo, Closing Argument by Mike Van Graan, Notre Maison / Les enfants d’Amazi / Little KESHO, Blind Spot by Hassiba Halabi, Paper skin by Michael Sengazi, and The Print by JM D-Hoop and Carole Karemera.
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