Rwanda: Nyandungu Eco-Park to host landmark global arts and conservation festival

Nyandungu Eco-Park, Rwanda’s flagship urban ecological destination, is set to host a major international arts and environmental conservation programme that will bring together leading artists, cultural practitioners, researchers, and environmental advocates from across Africa and the world.

Titled “Soil & Water: Kigali Crossings,” The initiative twill run from August 2026 to March 2027.

The programme marks the first time the globally recognised environmental arts initiative will be held in Rwanda, making the country only the second African nation after South Africa to host the project.

Designed as a long-term platform for environmental awareness, cultural exchange, and artistic innovation, the programme will feature public exhibitions, artist residency programmes, sculpture installations, live performances, concerts, community engagement activities, and research initiatives focused on sustainability and ecological restoration.

Founded more than two decades ago in South Africa, the NIROX Foundation is an independent non-profit organisation internationally known for connecting art, culture, and environmental conservation.

Through its artist residencies, sculpture parks, and public programmes, the foundation has created spaces where creativity inspires deeper engagement with nature and environmental stewardship.

Speaking about the initiative, NIROX Foundation Founder and Director Benji Liebmann said the project reflects a belief that art can communicate environmental challenges in ways that resonate deeply with people.

“Art speaks to people emotionally and intuitively. We believe it helps people reconnect with the Earth and understand the importance of protecting it. Humanity needs to fall in love with nature again,” he said.

Liebmann noted that discussions about bringing the programme to Rwanda began several years ago following engagements with Nyandungu Eco-Park leadership and a visit by park officials to the renowned Nirox Sculpture Park in South Africa.

The programme will welcome internationally acclaimed artists including Ibrahim Mahama and Serge Clottey from Ghana, Willem Boshoff from South Africa, as well as participants from France, Spain, Austria, and other countries.

Rwandan artists, including creatives from Inema Arts Center, will also participate, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between local and international practitioners.

For Nyandungu Eco-Park, the initiative represents a significant step in expanding its role beyond ecological conservation to become a hub for cultural engagement and creative expression.

Since opening in 2022 following the successful restoration of the Nyandungu Wetland, the park has emerged as one of Rwanda’s most visited environmental attractions.

Visitor numbers increased from 67,222 in 2023 to 76,754 in 2024, surpassing 100,000 visitors by November 2025.

Ildephonse Kambogo, Manager of Nyandungu Eco-Park, emphasized that the initiative will enrich the visitor experience through art while deepening public appreciation and understanding of environmental conservation.

“Visitors already come to enjoy the beauty of nature. Through this programme, artists will create works that connect people to culture, creativity, and conservation, leaving a lasting legacy throughout the park,” he said.

The initiative is being supported by QA Venue Solutions Rwanda, the management company behind BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium, whose expertise in event management and venue operations will help position Kigali as a growing destination for international cultural events.

Together, the partners aim to establish Nyandungu Eco-Park as a globally recognised meeting point for art, ecology, innovation, and sustainable development—creating a lasting impact for Rwanda, Africa, and future generations.

Photos

Nyandungu Eco-Park Manager Ildephonse Kambogo, speaks to journalists at Nyandungu on Tuesday, June 9

Benji Liebmann, founder and director of the NIROX Foundation visiting Nyandungu

Artistes visit Nyandungu Eco-Park on Tuesday, June 9

The long-term programme will feature public exhibitions, artist residencies, performances, concerts, community engagement activities, and research initiatives.