Gihanga Institute of Contemporary Art Opens in Kigali, Rwanda

The Gihanga Institute of Contemporary Art (GICA) opened in Kigali, Rwanda in November 2025, founded by curator Kami Gahiga and artist Kaneza Schaal. The 777-square-meter building, designed by Rwandan architect Amin Gafaranga, features flexible spaces including galleries, performance areas, studios, and research rooms, with a focus on local materials, natural light, and passive ventilation. GICA is not just an exhibition space but also an artist residency, a specialized library, and research studios for local and international artists. Its inaugural exhibition, "Inuma: A Bird Shall Carry the Voice," addresses memory, ecology, history, and collective responsibility. A Koyo Kouoh Library is set to open in the coming months. The institute aims to strengthen Rwanda's contemporary art scene by providing long-term support for artists, fostering critical cultural exchange between Rwanda and the world. Gahiga and Schaal envision a future with a robust network of institutions, residencies, and educational platforms that position Rwanda as both a cultural destination and a source of new artistic ideas.