Ubumuntu Arts Festival 2023: A Journey of Belief, Faith, and Artistic Expression

Themed "Believe: Faith Over Fear," this year's festival aims to inspire hope, resilience, and unity in the face of challenges. The festival will feature a diverse range of activities, workshops, and performances, bringing together artists and audiences from around the world.

One of the main highlights of this year's festival is the series of workshops, which commenced on July 3rd. The workshops was kicked off with a Hip Hop session facilitated by renowned artists Queen Herawin and Producer J from New York.

Hip Hop enthusiasts and aspiring artists had the opportunity to learn from these industry veterans and explored the rich cultural heritage of this art form under the theme ‘Music is humanity’.

This was followed by a Hip Hop Cypher at the esteemed French Cultural Center in Kigali, showcasing the vibrant talent of the Rwandan Hip Hop Community. This special event was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.

Furthermore, the Ubumuntu Arts Festival 2023 will host a cultural diplomacy conference on July 12th and 13th.

This conference will bring together partnering embassies and high commissions in Rwanda, fostering dialogue and collaboration in the realm of cultural exchange.

It will serve as a platform for sharing best practices and exploring the role of arts in promoting diplomacy and understanding among nations.

The much-anticipated performance festival will take place from July 14th to 16th at the renowned Amphitheatre of the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

This breathtaking venue will witness awe-inspiring performances by artists from various corners of the globe, including Sri Lanka, the United States, Nigeria, Kenya, Spain, Canada, South Africa, DRC, France, Israel and many more.

The festival aims to create an inclusive space where diverse cultures converge, sharing their stories and experiences through the universal language of art.

We are proud to announce that this year's festival is generously funded by the Mellon Foundation which is the largest supporter of the arts and humanities in the US.

Their support enables the Ubumuntu Arts Festival to continue its mission of using art as a catalyst for social change and promoting healing and reconciliation.

Hope Azeda, the festival curator, shared her thoughts on this year's event, stating, "The Ubumuntu Arts Festival is a testament to the transformative power of the arts. Through this year's theme of 'Believe: Faith Over Fear,' we aim to ignite the human spirit, inspire resilience, and foster a sense of unity and hope. We are thrilled to welcome artists and audiences from around the world to this celebration of art, culture, and humanity."

The Ubumuntu Arts Festival 2023 promises to be a landmark event, bringing together artists, thinkers, and art enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful conversations and experiences.