Inema Arts Center

Rwanda’s first art gallery was founded by two brothers Emmanuel Nkuranga and Innocent Nkurunziza in 2012 with the aim of using the power of art to empower expression and create artistic opportunity. Inema means a blessing or gift, and today, their lively center hosts more than a dozen resident artists, as well as educational dance and art programs for neighborhood children. The two-story residential house has gallery spaces to showcase contemporary art, a gift shop and café. Self-taught artists themselves, Emmanuel and Innocent are often on hand with five of their brothers and local artists to discuss their work—artistic and philanthropic. The center provides employment for more than 100 people and hosts more than 7,000 visitors a year. Emmanuel has since also opened a second gallery, Choose Kigali.