A Home for Film, Performing Arts, and Creativity in Northern Rwanda!
Our Vision
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:
✅ Filmmakers can screen their latest work.
✅ Theatre groups & musicians can showcase live performances.
✅ Poets & storytellers can inspire and educate.
✅ Workshops & cultural events bring communities together.
✅ 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.
How Your Contribution Helps:
Rent (first 12 months) -- $25,000 (approx. $2,000/month)
Renovation & Setup -- $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) = $300,000 CAD
*All estimates are based off contractor quotes and comparable institutions.
Your contribution, no matter how small, helps bring Musanze’s first independent theatre to life!
Why This Theatre Matters
- Empowering Rwandan Artists – A platform for theatre, dance, and music performances.
- Supporting Filmmakers – A space to screen and celebrate Rwandan & African cinema.
- Education & Inspiration – Hosting film and performing arts workshops.
- Cultural Tourism & Festivals – Attracting international and regional festivals.
- Community & Storytelling – A safe, inclusive space for creative expression.
- Hosting Conferences & Events – Providing a professional venue for meetings, forums, and networking opportunities.
Note: This page is administered by Alison MacAulay in Toronto, CA on behalf of the Musanze Hub and its co-founder, Shema Deve.
Organizer
Alison MacAulay
Organizer