"The Gihanga Institute of Contemporary Art (GICA), which opened this week in Kigali, Rwanda, is a first for the country: a new non-profit centre dedicated to promoting Rwandan art, culture, and history while encouraging local and Pan-African artistic exchange. GICA aims to fill a gap in the country's art infrastructure, which receives limited support compared to sectors such as technology and sports, which benefit from global partnerships and established hubs in Rwanda, including the Kigali Innovation City initiative, the so-called Silicon Valley of Africa."
"The institute, designed by Rwandan architect Amin Gafaranga, was originally developed as a private residence project. After five years of discussions between Gafaranga and Gahiga, their idea became a physical space in the last two years. Gahiga visited the unfinished building, recognised its potential as a public cultural centre, and envisioned it as an art institution, drafting a manifesto in one day. The space, simple yet intentional, features Rwandan-made furniture and local items."
The Gihanga Institute of Contemporary Art (GICA) opened in Kigali as a non-profit centre dedicated to promoting Rwandan art, culture, and history and encouraging local and Pan‑African exchange. GICA seeks to address gaps in Rwanda's art infrastructure that receive limited support compared with technology and sports, which benefit from global partnerships and hubs such as Kigali Innovation City. The centre was founded by Kami Gahiga and Kaneza Schaal, with Gahiga steering management and strategy and Schaal contributing an artist's perspective. The building, designed by Amin Gafaranga, was converted from a private residence and features Rwandan-made furniture and local items. Initial funding included loans from family, friends, and the art community, with support from the Mellon Foundation in New York during development.
Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events
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