Art and Policy
In 2012, Innocent Nkurunziza co-founded the Inema Arts Center, a place to harness the transformative power of art to inspire personal, social, and economic growth in Rwanda. The center unlocks Rwanda’s artistic potential, fosters community vitality, and supports underserved communities through sustainable livelihoods while serving as a hub for creative exploration, talent development, and artistic innovation.
Innocent Nkurunziza’s commitment to using renewable materials, such as tree bark, highlights his unique approach to creating environmentally-conscious art aligning with his mission to merge cultural expression with ecological sustainability. Painting on tree bark, a renewable and naturally abundant resource, reflects his deep respect for nature and his drive to promote sustainable practices within the art community and beyond.
This approach underscores his role as a pioneer of eco-conscious art in Rwanda, seamlessly weaving the textures and symbolism of the natural world into his work. His use of spirals symbolizes the interconnectedness of people and systems inherent in multilateralism, while his renewable canvases embody progress, blending sustainability with art. The interconnected circles further reflect unity and the harmonious connection between humanity and nature.
We have the following pieces of Innocent’s art displayed at the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Northeastern University. These are on loan to us and for sale to the public. If you have inquiries or would like to express interest, please email m.ivanova@northeastern.edu.
About Innocent Nkurunziza
Innocent Nkurunziza is a leading African artist who has played a significant role in reshaping the global perception of Rwanda, showcasing its transformation from a history of tragedy to creativity. Through his own artworks and his Kigali-based foundation, he empowers children and adults alike to discover the restorative power of art, music, and dance. Nkurunziza exemplifies how creating art can serve as a ritual for healing, deeply rooted in a connection to nature and inspired by humanity's earliest interactions with the earth.
