Translating Freedom: Visualising Transformation in Rwanda

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How can a country express the complexities of life after genocide? In Rwanda, twenty years after the violence that killed up to a million people, writers, artists, filmmakers and journalists have been working hard to communicate difficult choices made by the government, local organisations and civilians whilst reconstructing the country. Much has changed: a generation of young people have grown up since 1994, and Rwanda has experienced unprecedented economic success. However, internationally the country is still primarily associated with the moment of genocide.In August 2012, the AHRC "Translating Freedom" network hosted a workshop in Kigali to discuss how life after genocide is mediated through transitional justice processes and the arts. One key issue emerging from our conversations was Rwandans' lack of control over images of their country circulating internationally. Photographs of Rwanda are predominantly taken by visiting outsiders and very few Rwandan photojournalists and artists have access to international networks. In response to this gap, King's Cultural Institute have funded a photography workshop in Kigali in November 2013. Facilitated by Nigerian photographer Andrew Esiebo and Magnum photojournalist Dominic Nahr, Rwandan participants will be mentored in developing their own unique narratives. The "Visualising Transformation in Rwanda" project will enable these images to reach a wide international audience through an exhibition at Somerset House, curated by culture and genocide specialist Dr Zoe Norridge, Rwandan artist Christian Nyampeta and Autograph ABP Director Mark Sealy MBE. The exhibition will coincide with the twentieth anniversary of genocide in Rwanda and will constitute the first exhibition about life after genocide by multiple Rwandan photographers to be shown internationally. Somerset House, with its central London location and extensive marketing networks, offers an ideal platform for bringing together new audiences. The famous courtyard is a respectful setting for commemoration activities and the exhibition will introduce visitors to previously unseen images that reflect upon the past and celebrate change since genocide.One of our key objectives for the exhibition is to connect people who commission photography with Rwandan photographers. Too often, international NGOs, media organisations and gallery spaces send international photographers to Rwanda to take images for fundraising and awareness raising campaigns, news stories and exhibitions. By engaging with Rwandan photographers directly these commissioners could support local artists whilst also gaining unique insights into life after genocide.The ways in which a country represents itself influence national identity, international relations, tourism and global public perceptions. But often in the aftermath of violent conflict, governments, foreign aid agencies and NGOs focus exclusively on development priorities such as health, poverty reduction and education. By foregrounding the role of the arts in changing national and international perceptions, we will contribute to a growing body of evidence about the ways in which artists can assist with post-conflict recovery through our policy briefings.Collaborations are vital to the success of the entire project. The curation is a partnership between King's, Autograph ABP and Rwandan artist Christian Nyampeta. In Rwanda we are working with Carole Karemera (Ishyo Arts), John Mbanda (The New Times), Illume (creative agency) and Inema Arts Centre, amongst others. This exhibition has the potential to demonstrate that Rwandans can set research agendas, that impact activities resulting from research can affect international creative industries, and that universities can play an active role in highlighting global inequalities. Above all, it will ensure that Rwandan-authored narratives commemorating the twentieth anniversary of genocide are seen internationally.