The launch of the Gihanga Institute of Contemporary Art marks a significant milestone in strengthening Rwanda’s contemporary art scene and independent cultural spaces.

Today, December 20.2025, the Minister of State, Sandrine Umutoni, attended the official opening of the Gihanga Institute of Contemporary Art (GICA), congratulating founders Kami Gahiga and Kaneza Schaal for their contribution to Rwanda’s collective cultural and artistic development. 

She commended the strong public turnout, noting the large and engaged audience as a powerful indicator of growing support for contemporary art and independent cultural spaces in Rwanda. 

The Minister also expressed appreciation to the exhibiting artists Sanaa Gateja, Feline Ntabangana, Christian Nyampeta, Innocent Nkurunziza, and Francis Offman (in absentia) for generously sharing their work. Reaffirming the Government of Rwanda’s commitment, through Ministry of Youth and Arts, she emphasized continued support for initiatives like GICA that strengthen cultural infrastructure and elevate Rwanda’s creative ecosystem.