THE CREATIVE ARTS INDUSTRY AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN RWANDA A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED ARTS SCHOOLS (2016 - 2024)

Abstract

This study, titled "Creative Arts Industry and Youth Employment in Rwanda: A Case study of selected Arts Schools namely, Creative Art and Music and Ecole d’Art de Nyundo (2016 - 2024)," the study objectives are: to examine the types of employment opportunities secured by alumni of creative arts and music schools, to analyze the extent to which of creative arts industry contributes to the employment opportunities for the youth, to evaluate the effectiveness of the skills offered by creative arts schools, and to explore the challenges faced by youth pursuing career in the creative arts industry and come up with the recommendations to overcome the challenges faced. Employing a mixed methods design, the study targeted graduates from the Rwanda School of Creative Arts and Music and Ecole d’Art de Nyundo, utilizing simple random sampling alongside questionnaires, interviews, and documentation for data collection. Findings indicate that graduates possess practical skills relevant to their industries, demonstrating enhanced creativity and innovation. The creative arts industry provides diverse job roles, including positions in film, advertising, and arts management, while also presenting challenges such as financial instability and lack of mentorship. Recommendations include enhancing curriculum alignment with industry needs, expanding internship programs, and promoting mental health support. The study underscores the critical role of creative arts schools in fostering youth employment and innovation within Rwanda’s creative sector.