A partnership between the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA) and Google Arts & Culture, created a platform that works to preserve and digitize Rwandan stories, images, and more, according to The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper.
In addition, launched on May 17 at the Rwanda Art Museum (former presidential palace), the RCHA gallery will also be an opportunity for visual artists to showcase their talents, giving demonstrations through images, videos, and 360 captures.
“This is a milestone for us who work in preserving the culture and heritage, but especially Rwanda. It will help us preserve and promote our heritage and culture. The platform currently consists of past exhibitions on the history of Rwanda, visuals of museums and heritage sites, and exhibitions that promote art and craft in Rwanda,” Chantal Umuhoza, who is in charge of exhibitions at RCHA told the media.
She added that alongside these exhibitions, there are also photos of objects that haven’t been at public display.
“Many people who visit museums have access to exhibitions, but are not lucky enough to visit the reserves,” she explained. “This project gives authentic information on Rwanda’s culture and heritage, and what is most interesting is that it will be accessible by everyone all over the world.”
Alex Okosi, the managing director at Google Africa said that this milestone is important for Rwandans because it shares their culture to them, as well as the rest of the world who would wish to know it.
“The world gets to see the rich culture and the beauty of Rwanda. If I am Rwandan, there is nothing that will give me greater pride than to know that the world now understands my culture from whatever corner they are,” he noted.
Jemima Kakizi, artist and curator, who has been advocating for women in the art sector, told The New Times that being on Google Arts and Culture, means that you are an established artist or known in your country, which can give you more opportunities.
“When you see someone on that platform, you know this is someone credible. It will also increase our visibility. There is growth in the digital art scene and I am happy that even women artists have an article on the platform,” she added.
The project started in 2021, but its implementation was implemented from 2022. So far, 58 stories and 1,500 photos have been uploaded.
This is Awesome! Great News!
As a missionary, I’m a Delegate serving the Rwanda Region.
This platform will enlighten and connect the world to Rwanda and its rich culture. Rwanda is the land of a thousand hills. The people are pleasant and easy to love.
The world can learn from it’s brotherly love and unity. This link will be helpful and anyway I can help please inform. I am looking forward to traveling back soon and benefiting from this newly created platform.
Murakoze cyane!