WELCOME TO ISHYO ARTS CENTRE!

Ishyo Arts

CULTURE AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE!

 FOREWORD

It would be hard to imagine the development of Cultural Life in Rwanda without spaces of
creation and diffusion of Art works.

In 2005, eight Rwandese women, artists and art lovers, set up a non-profit organization with
an ambitious goal: “Culture available for everyone”. ISHYO was born.

They established a new “instrument” of active cultural development to emphasize the

cultural significance of Rwandan traditional and contemporary patrimony at the national and
international level.

In the five years since it was established, ISHYO has clearly fulfilled this expectation in every
respect.

The following brochure presents an overview of ISHYO’s diverse programs, activities,

structure and goals. Moreover, it defines ISHYO’s current situation and position and offers
new perspectives for the future.

The different projects supported, produced, co-produced or hosted at ISHYO are based on
a broad cultural definition which takes social development and cultural change into
account.

This concept welcomes proposals from artists and young people in all artistic fields and also
keeps ISHYO free to develop its own specially-developed artistic programs such as the “3B
Project”, International workshops series, Festivals (Kina, Centre x Centre), etc. and those at
ISHYO Arts Centre.

Furthermore, ISHYO continually ventures into new territory, developing joint projects
between Rwandan and foreign partners to promote lively international cooperation, such as:

 “East African and American play writing and theatre making projects” with
SUNDANCE INSTITUTE (USA/Utah), CalArts (Los Angeles), Brown University (Boston),
651 Arts (New York), etc.

 “ARTEJ/ASSITEJ” (Rwandan Association of Theatre for children and young people)

member of the ASSITEJ international network that consists of 75 country members
worldwide,

 Contemporary Dance Platform with KVS (Belgium), Uganda, Kenya, STUDIO Kabako
(DRC), etc.

Nowadays, there is no other Art Centre in Rwanda that is provides such an offer without any
public funding. We deplore this lack of funding even if it one time allowed the centre to
determine its own priorities. The high degree of artistic independence coupled with the
involvement of artists and cultural experts in the community is what attracts artists from all
over to Ishyo Arts Centre. Their involvement reflects the freedom of art and culture.To
assure the continuity of such a dynamic program and the development of Culture in Rwanda,
Ishyo strongly needs all kind of support.
 WELCOME

We are very happy to introduce you to one of the new arts platform in Rwanda: ISHYO Arts
Centre. Located in the Centre of Kigali City, in Kacyiru, ISHYO Arts Centre has been shaping
cultural life since 2006.

Our aim is to give artists and cultural producers more opportunities for creativity – be they
in the fine arts, theatre, music, film, literature or dance.

We want to establish international partnerships and strengthen the communication

between audiences and art practitioners, whose special knowledge, new discoveries and
experiences, works and ideas can help all of us understand the world better trhough art.

Without the commitment of individuals, artists and the support of organizations,

performances, trainings, festivals and exhibitions would not be possible.

Therefore, we are strongly interested in continuing and developing the many joint cultural
projects with any organization (public or private) sharing the same interest of developing the
potential of culture and cultural diversity in Rwanda.

Using art, we are exploring important changes taking place in schools, urban and rural
development, the working world and our global interactions with one another.

At the same time, we feel it is important to experiment with new approaches and
pedagogical methods that encourage art appreciation by the largest audience and that focus
on aesthetic education based on true cultural values for our children and young talented
artists.

We invite you to read more about ISHYO, the Arts Centre and the promotion agency’s
activities.

And, of course, we would be delighted to meet you in person at one of our events or at your
convenience.

CAROLE KAREMERA

[Artistic Director]
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD ................................................................................................................................ 2

WELCOME................................................................................................................................... 3

HISTORY ...................................................................................................................................... 5

Our mission ............................................................................................................................ 5

Our Values .............................................................................................................................. 5

WEEKLY & MONTHLY ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................... 6

PREVIOUS EVENTS- 2010 ............................................................................................................ 6

PREVIOUS EVENTS- 2009 ............................................................................................................ 7

PREVIOUS EVENTS- 2008 ............................................................................................................ 9

UP COMING EVENTS 2011-2012 BY OR IN COLLABORATION WITH ISHYO ............................... 9

PROJECTS .................................................................................................................................. 10

1. Literature & Theatre ......................................................................................................... 11

THE 3B Project .................................................................................................................. 11

RESULTS (At the 31st of July 2010) ................................................................................... 14

2. Dance ................................................................................................................................ 14

Hip Hop platform & classes .............................................................................................. 14

3. Visual Arts ......................................................................................................................... 17

WAPI? ............................................................................................................................... 17

VENUES ..................................................................................................................................... 17

MAIN HALL............................................................................................................................ 18

DANCE and THEATRE STUDIO .............................................................................................. 18

PUBLIC LIBRARY .................................................................................................................... 18

FUNDING .................................................................................................................................. 19

Donors .................................................................................................................................. 19

Contacts .................................................................................................................................... 21
HISTORY

ISHYO was established in September 2005 by eight Rwandese women passionate about
Culture and Youth. It is a non-profit association, composed by 11 board members and has its
headquarters in Social Security Fund Centre in Kacyiru, Kigali, Rwanda.
The Ministry of Culture supports the project ‘s mission since its creation.

ISHYO Arts Centre strives to be a Centre that is engaged, challenging and entertaining. The
staff remains committed to maintaining the highest possible artistic standards as it searches
out exemplary new writing and the best new, young directors, designers and lighting
designers to achieve this mission. ISHYO Arts Centre is determined to build on its reputation.

OUR MISSION

The Mission of the ISHYO Arts Centre is to create an authentic Rwandan cultural experience,
one in which is committed to providing the highest level of artistic excellence in all aspects of
the performing and visual arts and one in which the education and development of a diverse
community of artists, audiences and technicians is assured.

OUR VALUES

 We are proudly Rwandan and deeply conscious of our history and current social
context.

 We value and protect our artistic independence, patrimony and right of free
expression.

 We produce and present authentic Rwandan and international art that is innovative
and of the highest quality.

 We value our audiences and aim to delight them with our offerings and service.

 We are conscious of and accept our social responsibility to train quality artists and
youth and to use our art forms to improve people's lives.

 We always act in its best interest within the parameters of the Constitution,
legislation and the principles of good governance.

 We respect all our stakeholders and their needs

 We treat all people with respect and act with honesty and integrity in all we do
WEEKLY & MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

 “Comedy nayity” by Comedy Knights, every second Friday of the month

 BA- B’Art, Theatre Performance, every Thursday at 7.30pm at « Le Rendez-vous des
artistes » restaurant-bar @ ISHYO Arts Centre
 WAPI ? Words and pictures event, multi discipline performance, every 1st Sunday of
the month at 7.30pm @ ISHYO
 Rwandese Traditional time “Igitaramo”, (Igisoro, Inanga, etc.) every last Sunday of
the month at 3.30pm
 Hip Hop dance classes, every Thursday and Sunday at 4.30pm - 6.30pm for teenagers
and adults @ ISHYO Dance Studio
 Rwandese Traditional dance classes every Thursday at 6pm (adults) Sunday morning
at 9am-12am (children) @ ISHYO Dance Studio
 Public library, open every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon
 Cine club, every Sunday from 3.30pm to 9.30pm
 Workshops for professional artists and youth every two months

PREVIOUS EVENTS- 2010

DECEMBER 2010

 « Umuvunyi » theatre performance for the international anti-corruption day. In

partnership with Transparency Rwanda and the ombudsman office.
 Documentary film “Education through Arts, a new approach in fighting corruption
in Rwanda” Directed by Ishyo, co-produced by Ishyo and Transparency Rwanda.
 “Ballet Rwanda” dance performance
 “Les Larmes du ciel d’Août” by Waato Balabala ( RDC/France)
 Documentary film screening « Muyango & Imitali : de l’exil à la citoyenneté grâce à
l’art et la culture » by Aimable Karirima (Rwanda/ Belgium)

NOVEMBER 2010

 “U&Me” performance for UNDP at Serena Hotel

OCTOBER 2010

 “Comedy nayity” by comedy Knights

SEPTEMBER 2010

 “Supernova and Nasar Abadey” jazz concert and workshop

 “Benemugabumwe” theatre performance by BAU
 “Umuvunyi” adapted from the “Revizor” ( Nicholaï Gogol) by Carole Karemera

AUGUST 2010

 “Talent detection” by Gaston Rurangwa (KGB)

JULY 2010

 Arterial network conference on “Creative industries and cultural policies”

 “Littoral” theatre play by Jennifer Capraru (Canada/ Rwanda)
 Global youth connect workshop (US/Rwanda/ Canada)

JUNE 2010

 “Rencontre Littéraire” literature exchange in partnership with the OIF (Organisation

International de la Francophonie)
« Café littéraire », with Kossi Efoui, Felwine Sarr, Hubert Haddad winners of the OIF
price « prix des 5 continents ».
 « Centre by Centre » Festival: international festival of experimental performance,
workshops, readings and conversations produced by Ishyo Arts Centre, IGSC,
Mashirika, and Brown/ Cal Arts. Participants from Germany, Afghanistan, France,
Israël, Pakistan...

APRIL 2010:

 “Commémorer, le sens et l’organisation” in partnership with BERD and Radio 10.

Commemoration conference and movie screenings.
 “Femme de mon père” by Didacienne Nibagwire performed by Izere Troup

PREVIOUS EVENTS- 2009

DECEMBER 2009

 “Family astray ”de Bibish Mumbu, creation by Ishyo

 “KINA Festival” youth and children festival with international films, cartoons,
puppets workshops and performances from South Africa (guest of honour), Burundi,
and DRC...
NOVEMBER 2009

 “Huis-clos »de Jean-Paul Sartre” by Tarmac des auteurs (RDC Congo)

 « La seconde vie d’Abram Plotz » by Tarmac des auteurs ( RDC Congo)

 “Ndokela” by Koulsy Lamko (CUA Butare/ Zulu Company)

 “Hip Hop night” performances from Germany and Rwanda

OCTOBER 2009

 “FAAZ 2” International Theatre and Music Festival (CUA Butare/Kigali)

 “U& Me” performance by Ishyo

JULY 2009

 Liberation show 4th of July (Amahoro Stadium) (July 2009)

 « Centre by Centre Festival »(USA/Rwanda/ Russia/Japan/Polynesia/Uganda) (July
2009)

JUNE 2009

 “Blastered” & “Laughter less village” Theatre plays for children (Sweden) (June
2009)
 “Acting, directing, play writing, illustrating and theatre management international”
Workshops for professional artists (ARTEJ/ASSITEJ) (June 2009)
 “Immigration jetable” Theatre play, Tarmac des auteurs (DRC) (June 2009)
 “Bogus woman” Theatre play, Theatre de Poche/ Ishyo (Rwanda/Belgium) (June
2009)

MAY 2009

 “Les Recluses”, by Koffi Kwahulé, Theatre play by Theatre Varia/Ishyo

(Burundi/DRC/Rwanda/Belgium), related to sexual violence against women (May
2009)
APRIL 2009

 “RWANDA 94” the film by Groupov, projections organized during the 15th
commemoration of Tustis Genocide (April 2009)
 Play writing Sundance workshops and “Live performance” EAC/USA artists exchange
program (April 2009)
 “K-Dance” celebrates The International Dance Day (April 2009)

MARCH 2009

 “Drums for peace” : 300 children celebrate peace and happiness trough art
performances ( March 2009)

PREVIOUS EVENTS- 2008

 JAZZ Concert and Jam session (Germany/Rwanda) (November 2008)

 “Great Lakes contemporary Dance Platform” –DRC/Rwanda/
Portugal/Zimbabwe/Belgium (august 2008)
 “Rwanda nziza” Dance, Theatre and Music Performance (40 artists) (July 2008)
 “The monument” Theatre Play by Isôko (Rwanda) (Avril 2008)
 Theatre and music Performances by BA-B’ART:
- “To Those Born After Us”
- “ U&Me”
- “Talking About Africa? Yes We Can!”
- “Qui A Bu, Boira!”
- “ Où Courent-Ils?”
- “ Duetto”
- Metro-Boulot-Dodo »
- “Tout Feu, Tout Femme »
- « Odyssee » Etc.

UP COMING EVENTS 2011-2012 BY OR IN COLLABORATION WITH ISHYO

 Two days Poetry workshop and poetry night performance by Elizabeth Spackman
and Emily Mendelsohn. “Staging and translating a poetry in time and space”

 “We call it love” a two years multidisciplinary project (film, theatre, literature, music)
based on true stories of love and humanity during the Tutsi’s genocide in 1994

 « The Island » by Athold Fugard, produced by Théâtre de Poche (Belgique/RD

Congo/Rwanda) Freedom of expression? An African dream… + workshops
  “Slavics” a music-fiction project, produced by Ishyo/Amounra/Anges Companies

What would happen if the slaves instead of having been taken to America will have
been taken to Russia? A musical, reinventing the history of slavery and humanity …

 “Umwizero Project” a two years Art Therapy Regional Project (DRC, Burundi and
Rwanda) related to Gender based violence

 « Umuvunyi » based on Nikolaï Gogol’s play produced by Ishyo,

A true comedy about corruption…

 « Tango » by Jamal Mahjoub, produced by Ishyo (Soudan/Rwanda) + workshop

How do Africans look at each other, 50 years after « Independences cha-cha»?

 « Talking stone”, by Ahmed Madani, produced by Ishyo/CNLG,

15 children, born in 1994 and after, talk to the adults about what genocide is for them

 « Sous le voile » produced by Ishyo/ Amounra, (Algérie/Rwanda/ Belgique)

Women sexuality and reality in Africa + workshops

 « Bafana Republic», by Mike Van Graan, produced by Market Theatre (SA)

A hilarious comedy about the World Cup in South Africa…

PROJECTS

ISHYO Arts Centre promotes art and culture within the scope of national competence. One
of its main priorities is to develop and support innovative programs, trainings, artists and
projects on a national, regional and international level. To achieve this, ISHYO Arts Centre
invests in projects which develop new methods of fostering cultural heritage and tap into
the cultural and artistic potential of knowledge required for addressing social issues. ISHYO
Arts Centre also focuses on cultural exchange and cross-border cooperation by initiating
projects of its own and by supporting project proposals in all areas of the arts with no
stipulations as to theme or subject.
1. LITERATURE & THEATRE

THE 3B PROJECT

The 3B Project is an educative and cultural project, which is based upon the following ideal:
“culture for everyone, culture for human development”.

The 3B Project’s main Goals:

 Bring back Culture into the heart of the human development process.
 Facilitate the access to culture for everyone and promote respect, action, knowledge
and acknowledgement of cultural diversity as a positive force to support the
development of dialogue, mutual understanding, social stability, and the rebuilding
of Rwanda.
 Empower the cultural sector and develop actors skills

To this end, ISHYO has developed 3 joint actions, 3 « B »:

1 ST B FOR BIBLIOBUS

A mobile library travels throughout the country to give access to the books, sources of
knowledge and exchange, to everyone, everywhere. As starting point of the project, the
BIBLIOBUS is our first tool to make culture accessible to everyone. But more than offering
cultural goods and products, it is important to make them accessible to the public, to create
a link between culture and the people. Therefore, we conceived the two following actions.
2 ND B FOR BARACOMMANDOS

A “commando” of artists to develop artistic and cultural education in schools!

Their mission? Going into schools and storming the classes to perform extracts of books,
taking the pupils on a trip through international literature (in English, French and
Kinyarwanda). Through these interventions, we share poetic and imaginary universes, which
will make the children, want to pursue the journey and immerse themselves into the books
that have been performed. After this « hostage-taking », the artists present the books that
they have performed as well as the authors. The books are then lent to the classes and the
teachers for a period of one month.

At the end of each semester, the pupils are invited to choose one book that they had
particularly enjoyed and to expand on their reading through the artistic form of their choice:
drama adaptation, illustration, creative reading and writing… through one-week workshops
led by professional artists.

Objective

To root, through art and creativity, the values essential for development and for the survival
of our humanity: tolerance, respect, mutual understanding and dialogue.
3 RD B FOR BA-B’ART

The weekly “rendez-vous”of culture. The lack of spaces for creation and performances is
one of the main causes of the low cultural development in Rwanda. Not only for audiences
but also for artists. Where can they find a place to act or to exhibit their works? Where can
they find the audience? The BA-B’Art is a first step towards a solution.

There might not be many genuine cultural spaces in Rwanda but there are countless places
to relax such as bars, cafés, or restaurants. Therefore, the BA-B’ART concept is to open these
spaces to art, bringing culture to where the audience already is. By bringing art into
unexpected places and people’s everyday lives, we will establish a new link between art and
adults, in order to go back to the BA-ba, (as we say in French) the basics of the
audience/artist relationship.
RESULTS (AT THE 31 S T OF JULY 2010)

- The BIBLIOBUS contains more than 3000 books

- A new public library is fully equipped in Kigali
- Performances :
 36 international shows hosted , co-produced, presented at Ishyo and in the
countryside
 2 concerts for children by international and local artists
 3 big show created with more than 300 kids from Kigali Primary schools
 Liberation’s day show created with/by more than 450 young people
 124 shows were created and presented for the BARACOMMANDOS
interventions, more than 8 per month in English, Kinyarwanda and French;
 39 « Ba-Ba’rt » performances created/produced by Ishyo in 15 different
spaces
 2 literature event for the international reading day and the national culture’s
day (Amahoro Stadium)
- Recipients at the 31st of of July 2010:
 More 3400 children from 8 different schools and Ishyo neighbourhood
 More than 3600 adults attended shows
 More than 160 artists have benefited from art workshops directed by
international and national professional artists and enhanced their knowledge

Today, financial constraints have obliged us to stop the Bibliobus and Baracommandos for
the last 5 months. The Bus needs some important mechanical repairs that Ishyo can’t
afford for the moment.

We truly hope to be able to restart this fundamental activity in schools in January 2011.

2. DANCE

HIP HOP PLATFORM & CLASSES

ODDITY TEAM

ODDITY TEAM is a an alliance in Residence at ISHYO Arts Centre of at least four groups,
namely Sick city Entertainment , Machinery, SKC and Sortified stars, which bring together
more than 40 hip hop and break dancers. This crew has joined together to have a more
organized and favorable environment for all dancers in those particular groups.
“Oddity” is an English word meaning something unusual, new for the eye, either in a
negative sense or a positive one.

The Rwandan culture became dismayed with hip hop dance due to former art groups that
displayed a negative or false image about the art of dance. Young, talented, and rebellious
children have done their best level to join local dancing crews without their parents or
guardians consent. This has led to many young, talented dancers getting involved in many
unacceptable behaviors due to unprofessional group leaders who in the view of many,
exploit these young dancers.

This is why Sick city Entertainment, Sortified stars, SKC and Machinary is impatientl to join
together and re-build the image of hip hop dancers in Rwanda and Africa in general.

Objectives

 Develop professional hip hop creations in Rwanda, using original choreography.

 Meet internationally known Choreographers and Dancers through workshops and learn
from them.
 Represent Rwanda in international hip hop competitions that take place every year in
Germany;
 Be independent and stand up for dancers’ rights;
 Create new connections between Hip Hop and the Rwanda Cultural Dance

AMIZERO

This contemporary Dance Group created in 2004 at the University Centre of Drama (Butare
National University) is now the 1st in the country and has performed in many countries in
Europe and Africa with “Des Espoirs”.

The choreographer, Wesley RUZIBIZA, who is in residence at Ishyo Arts Centre since 2009,
has participated in many international dance workshops in London, Dakar, and
Ouagadougou etc. and develops his work with other artists with traditional background at
ISHYO Arts Centre. His last choreography “Baho” won the silver medal in Beyrouth (Libanon)
at Jeux Internationaux de la Francophonie.
TRADITIONAL DANCE

The current success of some traditional dance groups such as Inganzo Ngari is mainly due to
strong discipline, regular training but also a new perception of what performance and
creation can be.

A new dynamic has been developed, which is confirmed by the creation of new dance
troops, new areas of teaching as well as the actual development of creative industries.

That's why ISHYO works together with these young talented dancers and choreographers
to help them develop their talents, so they can live from their art, but also transmit it to
future generations.

The 1st National Children Ballet has been created last July during FESPAD in partnership
with ISHYO and Dance classes take place every Thursday & Sunday morning at ISHYO Arts
Centre.

In this context, Ishyo has also developed the new rendez-vous between our elders and the
young generation “Igitaramo” Sunday afternoon, every last Sunday of the month.
3. VISUAL ARTS

WAPI?

Words and Pictures

Workshops have been directed by professional artists such as Chancelle, and we are
currently developing new projects of partnership with Inganzo Gallery and Ivuka Arts
regarding a Cultural Map of Gasabo.

But above all, we have imported a new concept from Kenya : WAPI?

Every 1st Sunday of the month, artists are preparing together a special evening performance
mixing poetry, photography, painting, slam, music, theatre, gospel, etc.

VENUES

ISHYO Arts Centre is located in the Centre of Kigali City, in a beautiful valley and consists in
three different spaces:
MAIN HALL

The Main Theatre offers seating capacity for 300 people

DANCE AND THEATRE STUDIO

 (equipped with professional dance carpets, mirrors, toilets and basic sound system)

PUBLIC LIBRARY

(equipped with 3000 volumes, chairs and tables)

ISHYO Arts Centre is a self-contained space with a bar-restaurant, a basketball playground,
two offices and two gardens.

FUNDING

DONORS

Africalia (Belgian Cooperation) in 2007-2009, Unesco in 2008 both for the “3B Project”

ISHYO Arts Centre is a not-for-profit organisation and as such is reliant on donations in order
to carry out its core business of producing excellent artistic performances, and particularly
promoting new indigenous work, as well as running its numerous outreach programmes.

Donations can fall into 3 categories:

 Donations to the ISHYO Arts Centre for the promotion of its overall objectives.

 Donations to the development of new work or individual productions. Such

donations can be recognized by acknowledgement in the publicity surrounding a
production or in the printed media, posters and programs.
  Donations to the various outreach programs and projects run by ISHYO artists who all
work towards benefiting the marginalized communities and more especially the
youth.

For additional information on the ISHYO Arts Centre’s productions and the outreach
programs and projects please refer to Artistic Productions and Workshops respectively.

For additional information regarding donations and sponsorship please contact us.

« Rwanda Nziza » Performance

Co-Production ISHYO-Mashirika-FESPAD
CONTACTS

Ishyo Arts Centre Location E-mail Phone number

Office Centre socio récréatif ishyoasbl@yahoo.fr (+250) 782171050
de la Caisse sociale du
Rwanda / Kacyiru
P.O. Box 4786 Kigali -
Rwanda

Name Position E-mail Phone number

Carole Karemera Ishyo Arts centre Carole.Karemera@gmail.com +250788309706
Director
Didacienne Ishyo director nidida@gmail.com +250788879791
Nibagwire Personal assistant

Nkwaya Nadia Ishyo Project Nadia_nkwaya@hotmail.com +250782542173

Manager