Landmark Inauguration in Kinshasa: Central African Cultural and Arts Centre Opens Its Doors

Inauguration of the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre in Kinshasa

This Saturday in Kinshasa, President Félix Tshisekedi officially opened the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre. The substantial complex, situated in the Kasavubu commune opposite the People’s Palace, comprises an area of 93,000 square metres.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The building is equipped with the latest in modern infrastructure, including:

A large 2,000-seat performance hall
Two amphitheatres with 800 and 300 seats
State-of-the-art recording studios
A dance hall
Rooms to accommodate guests

Moreover, the centre is home to the National Institute of Arts (INA) campus, further solidifying its position as a hub for artistic creation and training.

Significant Benefits for Congolese Culture

In her speech, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Mrs. Yolande Elebe, highlighted the significant benefits that the construction of the Cultural and Arts Centre will bring to Congolese cultural operators, who have previously highlighted the lack of cultural infrastructure as a challenge.

A Permanent Home for the INA

Ms. Safi Ayana, Minister of Higher and University Education, expressed her gratitude to the President of the Republic for providing the INA with a permanent home for training and disseminating knowledge about cultural practices, following a period of approximately four decades.

A Collaborative Effort

The project was initiated by President Félix Tshisekedi at the outset of his tenure. This project is the result of a collaboration between China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Chinese firm BICG was responsible for its execution, which took 54 months. The project was made possible by a grant of 100 million US dollars from the Chinese government.

Joram Jojo