If you are ever in Kigali and you are unsure what to do, Niyo Arts center is one of the best places to go. I adore creativity, therefore if you are like me, you will naturally smile as soon as you alight from the taxi to this place. Thats because there are arts paintings on the road, entrance, street walls and surroundings of this unique arts house. How amazing is that?

Niyo Arts center houses dozens of paintings, and sculptures by African artists. In some days, there are cultural dance performances, music or drumming events. The diversity of artists reflects the wide range of African art on display.

For more entertainment, l recommend calling the center in advance to know if there will be a musical and theatrical performance. They claim to host a few all year round. I missed it because l went there without calling. What a great way to experience the African culture at large and the Rwandan tradition in specific.

While feeling like a fashionista wearing my Rwandese designed long skirt, I couldn’t hide my facial expression of how surprised I was. Firstly, despite the displays hanging on the wall, there were dozens of paintings in piles leaning on the walls. Seriously, astonishment was my reaction when I saw the animal and people paintings. To be honest, the bright colors of red, yellow, green, pink and blue were almost blinding. Beholding each piece, felt like reading a tale without words.

From the yard outside to the beautifully decorated café nearby, everything made me smile. It was irresistible to put my phone in my purse because I just had to take as many pictures as I want to remember. I can almost guarantee you might need to buy extra cloud space for your picture storage.

What is the aim of Niyo Arts Center?

They claim to have two specific goals

1.To provide a space where Rwandan creative artists can explore their talents and express themselves freely. 

2. We offer a venue where artists from other African countries can come to share their cultures and experiences, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration.

As their mandate, the Niyo Arts center affirms to believe that arts has a unique influence to unite people. They add that, it promotes empathy, builds self-confidence and can castigate social change in several ways. 

I agree with them in all aspects. You would probably do too if you go there. Whether it was the sky view or the African map with African fabric, I could see a generation of artistic creators all fighting to tell a unique story to the world about our culture.

A table at an extreme end in one of the rooms was almost full of arts work which had not been framed. The owner assured me, as a tourist, he could unframed any piece I wanted. That meant, the fear of my arts breaking wasn’t an option. That was absolutely convenient, but I couldn’t afford to buy anything given this was my last day in the country and I had a few more countries to visit. Looking back at these lovely pictures, I regret not taking home with me one piece.

What else does Niyo Arts Center do?

If you stay longer in Kigali, why not join their music, dance, theater, visual arts, and creative writing classes? I would have done that without hesitation if l had stayed more than 3 weeks in 2022.

The main goal of the training is to provide students with the skills and confidence required to express themselves creatively. Equally, it’s a way for them to make positive contributions to their communities.

On a small section (room) of the center, there are African clothes, bags, purses, beaded sandals and a host of Rwandese cultural items. I quickly noticed this was a souvenir shop.

Still on a wire made stand in this room, I was attracted to several greeting cards, all designed with African fabrics. This was the cheapest arts item to buy.

Who is the founder of Niyo Arts?

There’s always a brain behind a great initiative like this. The founder- Niyosenga Pacifique, a Rwandese is so proud of investing his life to begin this center. It was an honor to talk to him personally. A kind, warm-hearted man, whose friendly smile was contagious for the 30 mins my Rwandese friends and I spent at his beautiful workshop.

It is the fruit of many years of work and planning, and reflects his firm belief in the importance of art and culture as a vehicle for social transformation, integration and development. He believes that arts has the ability to change lives and make a difference in the world.

I was slightly surprised to know that, one of his main motivations was children. He has dedicated several pieces to support children and single mothers living in poverty in Rwanda. By extension, his bigger dream is to transform lives. That is, he aspires to encourage young people to use their artistry to provide for themselves. That includes aspects like education, health care, shelter, food etc.

How can you support them

Amidst the many arts masterpieces I saw which mesmerized me, it was interesting to read about the work of their foundation.

This inseparable part of the center was founded in 2012 with the objectives to support street arts, assist single mothers, comfort genocide survivors and be a means to alleviate poverty.

Just like every foundation, they provide dance, drumming, and sewing lessons. Similarly, they teach people how to make handcraft products. Upon the sale of the items, 40% is re-invested in the organization.

How does the center support the community?

This special place offers free arts painting lessons for kids aged 4-12. It is a way to inspire and groom their artistic interests and teach them to believe in the possibility of something great in the future.

On the other hand, Niyo artists randomly paint in the streets. Their sole goal is to bring art to everyone, including people that cannot enjoy it from where they are.

All the arts paintings were on sale. I would say come along with cash or a laoded credit card if you want to take a part of Niyo for your home decoration. It would be an eternal souvenir.

The most surprising thing to read was that Niyo collaborates with several psychiatric hospitals. This partnership has as aim to build mental healing and behavior disorders. The target group are disabled people. It is done via dance, music and painting. What an inspirational initiative!

If you read to this end, it means you are as curious as me. Here’s the address and website of Niyo Arts center. After you enjoy, please comment on what stood out for you.

I know you are interested to know about other things you can do in Kigali, Rwanda and other countries? Go here.