The ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi is a televised nationwide talent search project implemented by Imbuto Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth since 2018. The project identifies and supports young and talented Rwandans within the creative arts industry in 9 different categories (Film making, Photography, Digital Art, Acting & Drama, Dance, Fashion Design, Music, Literature, Visual and Plastic Arts).
We believe that young Rwandans with creative talent need to be nurtured to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the creative and socio-economic development of the country.
We also recognize youth unemployment as a critical challenge that continues to hinder national development.
This initiative aims to address both challenges simultaneously by identifying and promoting creative talent among Rwandan youth, while supporting job creation and employment opportunities within the creative industry.
Over the past three editions, through district-to-national level competitions and a year-long incubation programme, ARU has supported 174 artists selected from more than 7,000 applicants. The programme’s incubation model includes mentorship, training, and market access through the ARU Showroom, which has generated approximately 340 million RWF in creative revenues as of June 2025.
First edition, launched at Kigali Cultural Village across nine creative arts categories.
Second nationwide call, expanding the road trip auditions across all provinces.
587 contestants auditioned; 70 reached the bootcamp and presented at the Youth Forum Series.
The special cultural edition. Five disciplines, fifty finalists, a showcase in January 2027.
To contribute to a vibrant and sustainable creative arts
industry in Rwanda where young people can transform
their talents into successful careers, businesses and
opportunities.
To discover and empower young Rwandan creatives by
providing them with the skills, mentorship, platforms,
networks and opportunities needed to grow, innovate
and contribute to Rwanda’s creative economy.
These colors are a symbol of art and décor as they were used in the Rwandan culture, to create art pieces
called imigongo.
The color symbolizes confidence, creative thoughts, courage, strength, warmth, and beauty.
This shape symbolizes unity among Rwandans, which is what we strive for through this project: identifying
artistic talent and promoting it for the betterment of the Rwandan society.
Find young artists across Rwanda in filmmaking,
photography, digital arts, acting and drama, dance,
fashion, music, literature, and visual and plastic arts.
Equip young creatives to turn artistic talent into
sustainable careers and businesses.
Support creative projects with the potential to create jobs and lasting economic opportunity for youngpeople.
Bring together talents from different creative
disciplines to develop innovative projects together.
Connect emerging artists with audiences, industry
professionals, stakeholders and potential partners.
Encourage dialogue and collaboration between young creatives and public and private-sector stakeholders.
Matched with practising artists and industry figures working in the same discipline.
Access to the space, tools and technical support a discipline actually requires.
Pricing, contracts, pitching, rights and distribution taught alongside the craft.
Backing to make the work itself, not only to talk about making it.
Finished work presented publicly, to audiences and to the people who commission.
A cohort of 174 graduates and counting, and the industry contacts around them.
ArtRwanda Ubuhanzi is a program aimed at identifying and supporting young and talented Rwandans within the creative arts industry. It consists of a televised nationwide search for creative youth in 9 different categories : Filmmaking, Photography, Digital Art, Acting & Drama, Dance, Fashion Design, Music, Literature, and Visual & Plastic Arts. Throughout the program, contestants will be mentored by industry experts and receive advice on how to transform their talent into sustainable employment opportunities, in an effort to support their artistic development and future career aspirations.
Top 3 finalists in each of the 5 disciplines will be awarded. Apply by 14 September 2026.
