120 years of innovation and inspiration: Rwandan artist wins first prize in competition organized by FIA and Rwanda Ministry of Youth and Arts

As part of the 120th anniversary celebrations of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), in partnership with the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts, Rwandan artists were invited to submit works inspired by this important event and receive cash prizes. I received my award and attended the glittering FIA awards ceremony held in Kigali this year.

Following a significant number of entries from artists taking validation courses from the Rwanda TVET Council, Rwanda Polytechnic and Rwanda University of Science and Technology, the esteemed FIA judging panel selected the winner, second and third runners-up. Sophie Kabano, General Manager Alberto Villarreal, curator and lawyer responsible for African arts and cultural outreach, and Epaphrodite ‘Epa’ Binamungu, General Manager of the Inganzo Arts Center.

The winning entry, submitted by Ishimwe Gad, a graphic design and animation student at the University of Kigali, will be unveiled during the week of the FIA ​​General Assembly in Kigali and will become part of the FIA’s permanent collection housed at its iconic headquarters on Place de la Concorde in Paris. , france.

FIA Director General and Race Referee Alberto Villarreal said: “I was delighted with the number of creative submissions we received and the choice was not easy!

“It was inspiring to see how the FIA’s 120 years of history were interpreted and congratulations to the winners.”

Submissions were judged based on their relevance to the FIA ​​theme: 120 years of legend, originality of creation, aesthetic quality of the work and integration of Rwandan elements.

Ishimwe’s winning piece, titled ‘The Sound of Engines and Drums’, celebrates the history of the FIA ​​and the soul of Rwanda. The roar of engines and the steady rhythm of traditional drums combine to tell a powerful story of history in motion. Together they sing of progress and tradition, innovation and identity. More than a celebration of cars, this is a celebration of people, culture and progress.

Grand Prize: Isimwe God, ‘Echo of Engines and Drums’

Second Prize: Jean Damour Imanisimwe, ‘The Wheel of the Living World’

3rd prize: Arielle Keza, ‘Rwanda: Race for Change’