Open Call: 4th Edition of ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi Program

Deadline: 14-Sep-2026

The ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi is inviting applications from Rwandan creatives aged 18 to 30 to submit projects that celebrate, promote, and preserve Rwanda’s cultural heritage through creative work. The 4th Edition focuses on projects that are deeply rooted in Rwanda’s cultural traditions. Applicants are encouraged to draw inspiration from local heritage and contribute to its preservation through their chosen creative discipline.

About ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi

ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi supports young Rwandan creatives working across different artistic and creative disciplines. The 4th Edition places a strong emphasis on Rwanda’s cultural heritage, encouraging applicants to develop creative projects that reflect local traditions and contribute to their preservation. Applicants must choose one creative category and submit previous work along with a short project concept demonstrating how their proposed work highlights Rwanda’s cultural heritage. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to Rwandan creatives aged 18 to 30.

Applicants must:

- Be Rwandan. - Be between 18 and 30 years old. - Select one creative category. - Submit a portfolio of previous work. - Provide a short concept related to Rwanda’s cultural heritage. - Submit the required supporting materials for their selected category. Creative Categories Applicants can submit work in one of the following creative disciplines: - Filmmaking - Fashion - Written Literature - Music - Visual Arts Applicants should select the category that best represents their creative practice and provide the required portfolio materials. Filmmaking The filmmaking category includes a range of formats and creative approaches, including: - Short films. - Documentaries. - Animation. - Digital storytelling.

Applicants should provide:

- Trailers or a showreel. - A written script for each submitted work. - A short synopsis of their best work. - An ID document. Submitted filmmaking projects should demonstrate the applicant’s creative experience and connection to the programme’s cultural heritage focus. Fashion The fashion category covers different areas of fashion and design, including: - Collections. - Textiles. - Accessories. - Jewellery. - Footwear.

Applicants should provide:

- 5–10 photos of their designs. - Sketches or a lookbook in PDF format. - An ID document. The submitted work should demonstrate the applicant’s creative practice and ability to engage with Rwanda’s cultural heritage through fashion and design. Written Literature

The written literature category includes:

- Novels. - Short stories. - Poetry. - Children’s literature.

Applicants should submit:

- A written sample in PDF format. - A maximum of 10 pages for the written sample. - A list of published or shared works. - An ID document. The submitted literary work should demonstrate the applicant’s writing experience and creative approach. Music

The music category includes:

- Compositions. - Performances. - Arrangements. - Productions.

Applicants should provide:

- At least one audio track. - A performance video. - Links to their music available online. - An ID document. The submitted music should demonstrate the applicant’s creative abilities and can reflect the programme’s focus on Rwanda’s cultural traditions and heritage. Visual Arts The visual arts category covers a wide range of traditional and contemporary creative practices, including: - Painting. - Sculpture. - Ceramics. - Weaving. - Basketry. - Craft.

Applicants should provide:

- 5–10 photos of their artworks. - A short description of each submitted piece. - An ID document. The portfolio should showcase the applicant’s previous creative work and demonstrate how their artistic practice can contribute to celebrating and preserving Rwanda’s cultural heritage. Cultural Heritage Focus A central focus of the 4th Edition is the preservation and celebration of Rwanda’s cultural heritage. Applicants are encouraged to develop ideas that draw from Rwanda’s local traditions and cultural identity. The proposed concept should clearly demonstrate how the applicant’s chosen creative discipline can contribute to preserving or highlighting this heritage. Portfolio Requirements All applicants must submit a portfolio of previous work appropriate to their selected creative category. The portfolio requirements vary by discipline. Applicants should make sure they provide the specific materials requested for their chosen category, together with the required ID document. The application should also include a short concept explaining the proposed creative project and its connection to Rwanda’s cultural heritage. How to Prepare an Application Applicants should first select the creative category that best matches their work.

They should then prepare:

- A portfolio of previous work. - A short concept highlighting Rwanda’s cultural heritage. - The required category-specific creative materials. - An ID document. - Any additional information required in the application. Applicants should ensure that their submitted portfolio clearly represents their creative experience and supports the proposed concept. Why ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi Matters ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi provides young Rwandan creatives with an opportunity to develop and present creative work inspired by their country’s cultural heritage. The 4th Edition places particular importance on connecting contemporary creative practices with Rwanda’s cultural traditions. Through filmmaking, fashion, literature, music, and visual arts, young creatives can contribute to preserving and promoting cultural heritage in different forms. Key Facts About ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi

- Programme: ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi

- Edition: 4th Edition

- Eligible applicants: Rwandan creatives

- Age: 18–30 years

- Focus: Rwanda’s cultural heritage

- Creative categories: Filmmaking, Fashion, Written Literature, Music, Visual Arts

- Application requirement: One selected creative category

- Portfolio: Previous creative work required

- Project concept: Short concept highligh