{"id":119827,"date":"2026-02-14T18:02:56","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T18:02:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/national-arts-policy-expected-in-may-says-minister"},"modified":"2026-02-14T18:47:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T18:47:58","slug":"national-arts-policy-expected-in-may-says-minister","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/national-arts-policy-expected-in-may-says-minister","title":{"rendered":"National arts policy expected in May, says minister"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The Minister of Youth and Arts, Dr. Abdallah Utumatwishima, has announced significant progress in the development of Rwanda\u2019s National Arts Policy and a strategic plan intended to strengthen support systems for artistes and stakeholders across the creative industry.<\/p>\n

He made the remarks on Friday, February 13, during the ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi Xperience at the Kigali Cultural Village.<\/p>\n

The event also marked the graduation of the third cohort of ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi incubation programme, composed of 46 artistes who have successfully completed one year.<\/p>\n

The third cohort of ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi incubation programme is composed of 46 artistes who have successfully completed one year.<\/p>\n

According to the minister, the National Arts Policy is expected to be officially launched by May.<\/p>\n

The policy will protect artistes from the grassroots level to the national level and will include a framework of policies and laws to which artistes themselves will contribute in its formulation, ultimately benefiting the creative community.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have made significant progress in developing the Rwanda Arts Policy, which we expect to launch by May 2026,\u201d said Dr. Utumatwishima.<\/p>\n

In addition to the policy, the minister revealed plans to establish the Rwanda Arts Council in partnership with UNESCO and creative industry experts.<\/p>\n

The council is expected to play a central role in supporting artistes in their day-to-day professional activities.<\/p>\n

Addressing one of the sector\u2019s most persistent challenges\u2014access to finance\u2014Utumatwishima noted that the ministry is working in partnership with Bank of Kigali to introduce a new financing scheme dubbed Be Creative.<\/p>\n

The initiative will provide artistes with project-based loans that can be repaid without the requirement for collateral.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough our partnership with the Bank of Kigali, the Be Creative programme will offer creatives access to loans for their projects without requiring collateral,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

The minister further highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen artistes\u2019 professional capacity beyond incubation programmes, noting the need for continued support to help graduates transform their talents into sustainable sources of income.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are working with partners to create pathways through which artistes can receive further professional support, including access to qualified management, enabling them to develop their talent into profitable businesses that can support their livelihoods and those of their families,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Dr. Utumatwishima encouraged the graduates of incubation programmes to remain focused on their long-term ambitions and to continue developing their skills in order to achieve sustainable growth within the creative industry.<\/p>\n

Delegates follow the proceeding of the event.<\/p>\n

Delegates tour a mini exhibition at the venue.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n\r\n