Imagine a thriving network of theatres across Rwanda, starting in Musanze—a space where artists, filmmakers, and performers can share their stories and connect with audiences. A place where:
âś… Filmmakers can screen their latest work.
âś… Theatre groups & musicians can showcase live performances.
âś… Poets & storytellers can inspire and educate.
âś… Workshops & cultural events bring communities together.
âś… Conferences & professional gatherings can be hosted.
This initiative aims to create a lasting cultural movement, fostering creativity, dialogue, and artistic expression throughout Rwanda. Our first step? Musanze.
Musanze, despite being a cultural and tourism hub, lacks a dedicated space for performing arts and cinema. This initiative, by renting and transforming a space at the centre of this thriving district, will offer:
🎠A performance venue for theatre, dance, music, and spoken word.
🎮 A cinema hall showcasing Rwandan & African films.
🎤 A community hub for artists and audiences to connect.
🏢 A venue for conferences and professional events.
Why Musanze? 🌍
Musanze District, covering 530.3 km², is home to 476,522 residents, with a nearly equal split between urban and rural populations. The district’s youth, particularly those aged 20-29 (85,979) and 30-39 (71,412), represent the future of Rwanda’s creative industries.
Yet, these young adults often struggle to access resources and opportunities to pursue their artistic passions—especially outside Kigali, where most of the country’s cultural events take place.
This theatre will bridge that gap by providing free access to facilities and spaces for artistic creation and exhibition. By decentralizing the cultural scene, we will give artists from Musanze, Rubavu, and beyond the opportunity to showcase their work, while also offering tourists a unique way to engage with Rwanda’s creative spirit and local culture.Â
Our Budget
To ensure this project is sustainable for years to come, we plan on first renting and renovating an existing space in Musanze. With time, we plan on expanding and building a hyper-modern centre from the ground up!
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Rent (first 12 months) | $25,000 (approx. $2,000/month) |
| Renovations and Set Up | $50,000 |
| Stage, Lighting & Sound System | $30,000 |
| Seating & Interior (100 seats) | $20,000 |
| Film Projection System | $20,000 |
| Licensing & Performance Rights | $8,000 |
| Operational costs (staff, legal) | $60,000 ($5,000/month) |
| Community Outreach & Marketing | $5,000 |
| TOTAL NEEDED: | $218,000 USD |
This budget is based off estimates from local contractors and advisors.