The Maison de la Culture is a public institution of an administrative nature set up by Decree No. 100/235 of December 2, 2017. As indicated by Gaëtan Ndayikengurukiye, vice-president of the unit responsible for the effective implementation of the House of Culture, this establishment presents a socio-economic contribution for Burundi as offering artists and cultural actors in Burundi the means to express their creativity. It was during an interview he gave to the editorial staff of the daily “Le Renouveau”, Friday June 24, 2022.
In simpler terms, explains Mr. Ndayikengurukiye, the Maison de la Culture in Burundi is the set of reception structures for the dissemination of Burundian culture. It constitutes a mirror so that everyone can contemplate themselves. It is also a multidisciplinary meeting place between the Murundi and his culture; that is to say the arts, beliefs, language, customs, technological knowledge, musical, folkloric and artistic expressions.
The cultural products highlighted by the Maison de la culture bear values and landmarks that are levers of identity and cohesion. This establishment will also offer Burundian artists and cultural actors the means to express their creativity. “The Maison de la culture will forge our own identity, strengthen and preserve the sense of belonging to the community of Burundians with a common destiny,” said Mr. Ndayikengurukiye.
Develop connections between people
The activity programs that this establishment will develop will provide opportunities for leisure, entertainment, learning and sharing experiences with others.
“The Maison de la culture contributes to the strengthening of social ties within communities and therefore, to reinforce self-esteem at the individual and collective level. This is how its effective implementation will constitute a privileged space for weaving meetings, organizing confrontations and developing links between people”, indicates Mr. Ndayikengurukiye. It is a social capital that promotes the development of individuals’ capacities and their participation in the life of society. “It is culture that enriches social capital that makes it possible to enhance other resources for development,” continues the interlocutor.