Founded in 2007 by eight women, Ishyo Arts Centre is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the development and promotion of culture in Rwanda. Guided by its fundamental mission of making culture accessible to all, the organisation directs its activities towards a diversity of cultural projects and initiatives. Ishyo Arts Centre operates as an inclusive platform, bringing together professional artists, cultural experts, creative entrepreneurs and art lovers. Its scope encompasses artistic production, research, advocacy and capacity building. The main objective is to create an ecosystem where artistic and cultural expression is accessible to a wide audience, while contributing to the development and professionalisation of cultural players.

As part of these actions, Ishyo Arts Centre aims to support cultural diversity, promoting the growth and sustainability of the arts and culture sector in Rwanda. Each of the organisation’s initiatives is rooted in a pragmatic approach aimed at strengthening the country’s artistic and cultural fabric. Ishyo Arts Centre remains committed to the idea that universal access to culture is a driving force for individual enrichment and collective progress. Over the past years, Ishyo has created more than 60 shows and events (theater, music, dance, theater for young audience, street arts, literature, screen dance and animation film) presented in Africa, Europe, North and South America. Ishyo produces and co-produces four international festivals: Kina Festival (dedicated to young audience), Kuya Kwetu (artistic residencies & experiment), Home sweet home (shows created and presented in people’s homes) and the Rencontres internationales du livre francophone du Rwanda.