The Ministry of Youth and Culture, the Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture in partnership with Imbuto Foundation launched the Cultural and Creative Industry (CCI) recovery plan, in response to the short and long term impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the industry. The CCI recovery plan focuses on the following 3 key interventions:

• A 300,000,000 Rwf financial grant to support initiatives that support art enterprises and artists, that will eventually attract financial gains and knowledge sharing.
• Shared resources, facilities and training opportunities in the cultural and creative industry, for artists to use and benefit from at no cost.
• The Made in Rwanda Art Campaign to engage Rwandans to learn about, love and purchase Made in Rwanda art.

Through this Recovery Framework, the Ministry of Youth and Culture and its partners also aim to deliver skills training to 300 artists to boost their ability to digitize commerce of their various products leverage the available technology infrastructure and services that facilitate growth of e-commerce in Rwanda.

Additionally, Artists can now access designated spaces at national museums for open air activities with access to internet and space to sell artwork.

Targeted art categories:

• Rwanda Music Federation
• Rwanda Film Federation
• Rwanda Plastic Arts Federation
• Rwanda Writers Federation
• Rwanda Beauty and Fashion Federation
• Rwanda Traditional Dance Federation
• Rwanda Performing Arts Federation

Why artists should not miss out the opportunity

During this #COVID19 pandemic, art businesses and individuals have been affected in the way that business should be done. This calls for the Creative Community to embrace the digital way, E-commerce as they sell either visual arts or other collectible items.

This opportunity will empower artists to easily build their platform online while continuing to do what they love without having to stress over the nuances of physical events.

E-commerce sites will enable artists to reach a wider market audience. People will not have to walk to their showroom physically for them to see and hopefully purchase their products.