Creative agency Thinkerbell has partnered with organisation Kumva & Kwibuka (Listen and Remember) to launch the Baho multimedia exhibition. The powerful project showcases the stories of survivors and families impacted by the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The exhibition, opening Wednesday 31 July at 107 in Sydney’s Redfern, commemorates 30 years since over a million people were murdered during what is often referred to as ‘The Radio Genocide’.
The project was created by Thinkerbell creative Matias Reyes, inspired by his work with Kumva & Kwibuka and its story of ‘triumph over trauma’ and healing by educating the next generation.
“When my family and I met the storytellers at Kumva & Kwibuka and learnt about the brutal, long-term consequences of this genocide, we knew we wanted to do something meaningful to help spread their message at this important time,” said Reyes.
The exhibition aims to give audiences a new perspective on both the current global context and local communities in Australia.
The portraits, shot by photographer Martina Reyes, along with displayed artefacts, film interviews, and the Propaganda Machine installation, work together to tell inspiring stories of resilience and the destructive impact of hate speech in media.
“When we were approached with the idea of exhibiting the survivors’ stories we knew it was a special opportunity to deliver our message of empathy and compassion at a time when it seems like the world needs it the most,” said Kumva & Kwibuka co-founder and education manager, Dr Ari Lander.
The exhibition and artwork were partially funded by Thinkerbell’s Pot of Gold initiative, which helps realise powerful ideas.
“I was at the border of Rwanda in 1994 and witnessed firsthand the waves of displaced refugees exiting their country during this period,” said the agency’s co-founder and chief tinker, Adam Ferrier.
“When Matias approached Thinkerbell with his idea for this exhibition, I knew there was a lot we could learn from the Genocide Against the Tutsi, delivered through this project.”
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