Aw’art Cultural Center Shut Down Due to Financial Constraints
Aw’art Cultural Center, located in Bandalungwa, Kinshasa, has been a symbol of creativity and community for six years. Offering spaces for outdoor performances, meeting rooms, rehearsal studios, and other facilities, it has been a thriving hub for Congolese art in various forms, from music to literature, painting, and slam poetry. However, the center was forced to close its doors on January 8th primarily due to financial constraints, marking the end of an era that artists who participated in its activities will remember with a tinge of sadness.
The closure became inevitable as the center struggled under the weight of rising costs in the country. The monthly rent had soared to $1,500, while expenses for activities, staff salaries, and other programs pushed the monthly budget up to $3,000, an unsustainable amount on some occasions. Fred Kabeya, co-founder of Aw’art, expressed his disappointment, stating, “It had become very difficult. We operated without funding, fought hard, but now we are exhausted. The rent is too high, the government’s bureaucracy is overwhelming, and we can no longer sustain ourselves.”
Struggles of Operating Without Government Support
Despite the dedicated and passionate staff, the closure of Aw’art Cultural Center has left a void in the community. Jamil Lusala, a painter and photographer who participated in the center’s activities, lamented the lack of similar cultural institutions in proximity to artists. He emphasized the emotional impact of losing a space that connected artists directly with their audience, unlike more distant institutions.
Christian Gombo, who ran the “Ecrivains du Congo Asbl” office at Aw’art for over two years, highlighted the personal connections and warm moments shared with literary enthusiasts at the center. He reflected on the loss, saying, “Aw’art was like a home to us, and now a significant part of our culture is left on the streets.” Gombo stressed the collective responsibility to preserve and revive Aw’art, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to sustain such cultural initiatives.
A Vision for Revival and Innovation
While Aw’art Cultural Center has closed its doors, the founders remain hopeful for a revival with support from the government, partners, or sponsors. Fred Kabeya, Cedric Isengoma, and Alain Tshovo, the co-founders, met with the Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage to discuss possibilities for reopening the space with a renewed vision and more innovation. They are advocating for tax exemptions for cultural spaces and financial support to prevent similar closures in the future.
Despite the challenges faced by Aw’art Cultural Center, its impact on the Congolese art scene and the community’s cultural landscape remains significant. The closure serves as a reminder of the need for sustained investment in arts and culture to preserve heritage, foster creativity, and empower local artists for generations to come.