Available to hire
I am Bruce Niyonkuru, also known as Canda, a Rwandan interdisciplinary artist and co-founder of Milele Museum. My work combines traditional practices with digital tools to preserve cultural heritage while challenging colonial narratives. I specialize in participatory design and digital storytelling, creating innovative platforms to reimagine cultural heritage in contemporary society.
I am passionate about empowering communities, especially through education and the arts, having worked extensively as an educator and curator in various international settings. I enjoy fostering creativity and representation through immersive exhibits, workshops, and community engagement initiatives.
Experience Level
Language
English
Advanced
Kinyarwanda
Advanced
French
Advanced
Swahili
Advanced
Work Experience
Educator at ZEN Educate
August 31, 2024 - July 24, 2025Effectively delivering the planned curriculum across various subjects, ensuring that lessons are engaging, interactive, and cater to the diverse learning needs of elementary students. Maintaining a positive and orderly classroom environment, implementing behavior management strategies to support a conducive learning atmosphere. Evaluating student progress through formative and summative assessments, providing constructive feedback to help students achieve their academic goals.
Founding Creative Director at Milele Museum
May 1, 2021 - PresentSpearheading the design and development of innovative, immersive digital exhibits for a global audience, integrating technologies to enhance educational impact. Developing initiatives that involve African communities in the museum's activities, ensuring their voices and perspectives are central to the museum's narrative and operations. Providing strategic oversight for arts programming, aligning initiatives with organizational goals to foster cultural enrichment and education.
Teaching Artist at Houston Center for Photography
September 1, 2024 - PresentEmpowering students by using photography to explore their identities and control their narratives, fostering self-expression and confidence in a supportive environment. Teaching HCP’s Community Engagement curriculum, adapting lessons as needed, and documenting student progress while maintaining safety and confidentiality.
Community Reviewer at Houston BANF
November 30, 2024 - July 24, 2025Participating in peer-review processes alongside BANF’s Steering Committee and Advisory Council to evaluate applications for arts funding opportunities. Contributing unique insights from experience as an advocate for BIPOC communities, enriching discussions on arts and culture’s role in community development. Supporting BANF’s goals of equity and community participation by representing and celebrating diverse perspectives within the arts.
Lead Instructor at Creator Summer Camp
July 31, 2024 - July 24, 2025Directed curriculum design and instructional delivery for Digital Arts programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and state standards. Collaborated with leadership and community stakeholders to integrate arts education into broader educational initiatives.
Art Instructor at Idea Lab Kids Camp
November 30, 2023 - July 24, 2025Designed and conducted engaging art lessons for students from second to seventh grade. Ensured a safe, inclusive environment for artistic expression. Helped students develop artistic skills through various mediums and techniques.
Founding Director & Exhibit Manager at Kuuru Art Space
December 31, 2022 - July 24, 2025Curated and organized multidisciplinary exhibitions, leading teams to create engaging content. Planned and facilitated workshops and educational programs for local and international artists. Built relationships with artists, stakeholders, and the community to support Kuuru Art Space's initiatives.
Art Teacher at Martinschule
December 31, 2016 - July 24, 2025Taught fundamental artistic techniques and concepts, encouraging creativity through various mediums. Maintained a positive and organized classroom environment.
Project Lead & Founder at Tuko Girls Arts
December 31, 2019 - July 24, 2025Designed and implemented programs for young women in visual arts, performance arts, and fashion design. Advocated for gender equality and representation in the Rwandan art industry. Oversaw daily operations, including budget management, fundraising, and administrative tasks.
Project Lead & Founder at Ntizimire Future Arts
December 31, 2018 - July 24, 2025Designed and implemented art therapy programs for children and young adults. Used art as a therapeutic tool for emotional expression and personal growth. Oversaw program logistics, volunteer coordination, and fundraising efforts.
Guest Lecturer at University of Rwanda Science and Technology Department
December 31, 2018 - July 24, 2025Integrated innovative approaches in clay and design into the curriculum. Engaged students through hands-on learning experiences and collaborative projects. Contributed to academic research in clay art and design.
Guest Lecturer at Nyundo School of Arts
December 31, 2019 - July 24, 2025Delivered engaging lectures and practical workshops on visual arts, providing students with comprehensive artistic knowledge. Offered personalized feedback and mentorship to students, enhancing their artistic skills. Collaborated with faculty to enhance the art curriculum with contemporary practices.
Project Lead & Founder at Ba & Ba Movement
December 31, 2019 - July 24, 2025Designed and implemented multidisciplinary artistic programs for young Rwandan artists, promoting healing and reconciliation. Built relationships with local communities to support the movement's peace-building initiatives. Organized performances and events to commemorate the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Educator at ZEN Educate
August 31, 2024 - July 24, 2025Effectively delivering the planned curriculum across various subjects, ensuring that lessons are engaging, interactive, and cater to the diverse learning needs of elementary students. Maintaining a positive and orderly classroom environment, implementing behavior management strategies to support a conducive learning atmosphere. Evaluating student progress through formative and summative assessments, providing constructive feedback to help students achieve their academic goals.
Founding Creative Director at Milele Museum
May 1, 2021 - PresentSpearheading the design and development of innovative, immersive digital exhibits for a global audience, integrating technologies to enhance educational impact. Developing initiatives that involve African communities in the museum's activities, ensuring their voices and perspectives are central to the museum's narrative and operations. Providing strategic oversight for arts programming, aligning initiatives with organizational goals to foster cultural enrichment and education.
Teaching Artist at Houston Center for Photography
September 1, 2024 - PresentEmpowering students by using photography to explore their identities and control their narratives, fostering self-expression and confidence in a supportive environment. Teaching HCP’s Community Engagement curriculum, adapting lessons as needed, and documenting student progress while maintaining safety and confidentiality.
Community Reviewer at Houston BANF
November 30, 2024 - July 24, 2025Participating in peer-review processes alongside BANF’s Steering Committee and Advisory Council to evaluate applications for arts funding opportunities. Contributing unique insights from experience as an advocate for BIPOC communities, enriching discussions on arts and culture’s role in community development. Supporting BANF’s goals of equity and community participation by representing and celebrating diverse perspectives within the arts.
Lead Instructor at Creator Summer Camp
July 31, 2024 - July 24, 2025Directed curriculum design and instructional delivery for Digital Arts programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and state standards. Collaborated with leadership and community stakeholders to integrate arts education into broader educational initiatives.
Art Instructor at Idea Lab Kids Camp
November 30, 2023 - July 24, 2025Designed and conducted engaging art lessons for students from second to seventh grade. Ensured a safe, inclusive environment for artistic expression. Helped students develop artistic skills through various mediums and techniques.
Founding Director & Exhibit Manager at Kuuru Art Space
December 31, 2022 - July 24, 2025Curated and organized multidisciplinary exhibitions, leading teams to create engaging content. Planned and facilitated workshops and educational programs for local and international artists. Built relationships with artists, stakeholders, and the community to support Kuuru Art Space's initiatives.
Art Teacher at Martinschule
December 31, 2016 - July 24, 2025Taught fundamental artistic techniques and concepts, encouraging creativity through various mediums. Maintained a positive and organized classroom environment.
Project Lead & Founder at Tuko Girls Arts
December 31, 2019 - July 24, 2025Designed and implemented programs for young women in visual arts, performance arts, and fashion design. Advocated for gender equality and representation in the Rwandan art industry. Oversaw daily operations, including budget management, fundraising, and administrative tasks.
Project Lead & Founder at Ntizimire Future Arts
December 31, 2018 - July 24, 2025Designed and implemented art therapy programs for children and young adults. Used art as a therapeutic tool for emotional expression and personal growth. Oversaw program logistics, volunteer coordination, and fundraising efforts.
Guest Lecturer at University of Rwanda Science and Technology Department
December 31, 2018 - July 24, 2025Integrated innovative approaches in clay and design into the curriculum. Engaged students through hands-on learning experiences and collaborative projects. Contributed to academic research in clay art and design.
Guest Lecturer at Nyundo School of Arts
December 31, 2019 - July 24, 2025Delivered engaging lectures and practical workshops on visual arts, providing students with comprehensive artistic knowledge. Offered personalized feedback and mentorship to students, enhancing their artistic skills. Collaborated with faculty to enhance the art curriculum with contemporary practices.
Project Lead & Founder at Ba & Ba Movement
December 31, 2019 - July 24, 2025Designed and implemented multidisciplinary artistic programs for young Rwandan artists, promoting healing and reconciliation. Built relationships with local communities to support the movement's peace-building initiatives. Organized performances and events to commemorate the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Educator at ZEN Educate
August 31, 2024 - July 24, 2025Effectively delivering the planned curriculum across various subjects, ensuring that lessons are engaging, interactive, and cater to the diverse learning needs of elementary students. Maintaining a positive and orderly classroom environment, implementing behavior management strategies to support a conducive learning atmosphere. Evaluating student progress through formative and summative assessments, providing constructive feedback to help students achieve their academic goals.
Founding Creative Director at Milele Museum
May 1, 2021 - PresentSpearheading the design and development of innovative, immersive digital exhibits for a global audience, integrating technologies to enhance educational impact. Developing initiatives that involve African communities in the museum's activities, ensuring their voices and perspectives are central to the museum's narrative and operations. Providing strategic oversight for arts programming, aligning initiatives with organizational goals to foster cultural enrichment and education.
Teaching Artist at Houston Center for Photography
September 1, 2024 - PresentEmpowering students by using photography to explore their identities and control their narratives, fostering self-expression and confidence in a supportive environment. Teaching HCP’s Community Engagement curriculum, adapting lessons as needed, and documenting student progress while maintaining safety and confidentiality.
Community Reviewer at Houston BANF
November 30, 2024 - July 24, 2025Participating in peer-review processes alongside BANF’s Steering Committee and Advisory Council to evaluate applications for arts funding opportunities. Contributing unique insights from experience as an advocate for BIPOC communities, enriching discussions on arts and culture’s role in community development. Supporting BANF’s goals of equity and community participation by representing and celebrating diverse perspectives within the arts.
Lead Instructor at Creator Summer Camp
July 31, 2024 - July 24, 2025Directed curriculum design and instructional delivery for Digital Arts programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and state standards. Collaborated with leadership and community stakeholders to integrate arts education into broader educational initiatives.
Art Instructor at Idea Lab Kids Camp
November 30, 2023 - July 24, 2025Designed and conducted engaging art lessons for students from second to seventh grade. Ensured a safe, inclusive environment for artistic expression. Helped students develop artistic skills through various mediums and techniques.
Founding Director & Exhibit Manager at Kuuru Art Space
December 31, 2022 - July 24, 2025Curated and organized multidisciplinary exhibitions, leading teams to create engaging content. Planned and facilitated workshops and educational programs for local and international artists. Built relationships with artists, stakeholders, and the community to support Kuuru Art Space's initiatives.
Art Teacher at Martinschule
December 31, 2016 - July 24, 2025Taught fundamental artistic techniques and concepts, encouraging creativity through various mediums. Maintained a positive and organized classroom environment.
Project Lead & Founder at Tuko Girls Arts
December 31, 2019 - July 24, 2025Designed and implemented programs for young women in visual arts, performance arts, and fashion design. Advocated for gender equality and representation in the Rwandan art industry. Oversaw daily operations, including budget management, fundraising, and administrative tasks.
Project Lead & Founder at Ntizimire Future Arts
December 31, 2018 - July 24, 2025Designed and implemented art therapy programs for children and young adults. Used art as a therapeutic tool for emotional expression and personal growth. Oversaw program logistics, volunteer coordination, and fundraising efforts.
Guest Lecturer at University of Rwanda Science and Technology Department
December 31, 2018 - July 24, 2025Integrated innovative approaches in clay and design into the curriculum. Engaged students through hands-on learning experiences and collaborative projects. Contributed to academic research in clay art and design.
Guest Lecturer at Nyundo School of Arts
December 31, 2019 - July 24, 2025Delivered engaging lectures and practical workshops on visual arts, providing students with comprehensive artistic knowledge. Offered personalized feedback and mentorship to students, enhancing their artistic skills. Collaborated with faculty to enhance the art curriculum with contemporary practices.
Project Lead & Founder at Ba & Ba Movement
December 31, 2019 - July 24, 2025Designed and implemented multidisciplinary artistic programs for young Rwandan artists, promoting healing and reconciliation. Built relationships with local communities to support the movement's peace-building initiatives. Organized performances and events to commemorate the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Educator at ZEN Educate
August 31, 2024 - July 24, 2025Effectively delivering the planned curriculum across various subjects, ensuring that lessons are engaging, interactive, and cater to the diverse learning needs of elementary students. Maintaining a positive and orderly classroom environment, implementing behavior management strategies to support a conducive learning atmosphere. Evaluating student progress through formative and summative assessments, providing constructive feedback to help students achieve their academic goals.
Founding Creative Director at Milele Museum
May 1, 2021 - PresentSpearheading the design and development of innovative, immersive digital exhibits for a global audience, integrating technologies to enhance educational impact. Developing initiatives that involve African communities in the museum's activities, ensuring their voices and perspectives are central to the museum's narrative and operations. Providing strategic oversight for arts programming, aligning initiatives with organizational goals to foster cultural enrichment and education.
Teaching Artist at Houston Center for Photography
September 1, 2024 - PresentEmpowering students by using photography to explore their identities and control their narratives, fostering self-expression and confidence in a supportive environment. Teaching HCP’s Community Engagement curriculum, adapting lessons as needed, and documenting student progress while maintaining safety and confidentiality.
Community Reviewer at Houston BANF
November 30, 2024 - July 24, 2025Participating in peer-review processes alongside BANF’s Steering Committee and Advisory Council to evaluate applications for arts funding opportunities. Contributing unique insights from experience as an advocate for BIPOC communities, enriching discussions on arts and culture’s role in community development. Supporting BANF’s goals of equity and community participation by representing and celebrating diverse perspectives within the arts.
Lead Instructor at Creator Summer Camp
July 31, 2024 - July 24, 2025Directed curriculum design and instructional delivery for Digital Arts programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and state standards. Collaborated with leadership and community stakeholders to integrate arts education into broader educational initiatives.
Art Instructor at Idea Lab Kids Camp
November 30, 2023 - July 24, 2025Designed and conducted engaging art lessons for students from second to seventh grade. Ensured a safe, inclusive environment for artistic expression. Helped students develop artistic skills through various mediums and techniques.
Founding Director & Exhibit Manager at Kuuru Art Space
December 31, 2022 - July 24, 2025Curated and organized multidisciplinary exhibitions, leading teams to create engaging content. Planned and facilitated workshops and educational programs for local and international artists. Built relationships with artists, stakeholders, and the community to support Kuuru Art Space's initiatives.
Art Teacher at Martinschule
December 31, 2016 - July 24, 2025Taught fundamental artistic techniques and concepts, encouraging creativity through various mediums. Maintained a positive and organized classroom environment.
Project Lead & Founder at Tuko Girls Arts
December 31, 2019 - July 24, 2025Designed and implemented programs for young women in visual arts, performance arts, and fashion design. Advocated for gender equality and representation in the Rwandan art industry. Oversaw daily operations, including budget management, fundraising, and administrative tasks.
Project Lead & Founder at Ntizimire Future Arts
December 31, 2018 - July 24, 2025Designed and implemented art therapy programs for children and young adults. Used art as a therapeutic tool for emotional expression and personal growth. Oversaw program logistics, volunteer coordination, and fundraising efforts.
Guest Lecturer at University of Rwanda Science and Technology Department
December 31, 2018 - July 24, 2025Integrated innovative approaches in clay and design into the curriculum. Engaged students through hands-on learning experiences and collaborative projects. Contributed to academic research in clay art and design.
Guest Lecturer at Nyundo School of Arts
December 31, 2019 - July 24, 2025Delivered engaging lectures and practical workshops on visual arts, providing students with comprehensive artistic knowledge. Offered personalized feedback and mentorship to students, enhancing their artistic skills. Collaborated with faculty to enhance the art curriculum with contemporary practices.
Project Lead & Founder at Ba & Ba Movement
December 31, 2019 - July 24, 2025Designed and implemented multidisciplinary artistic programs for young Rwandan artists, promoting healing and reconciliation. Built relationships with local communities to support the movement's peace-building initiatives. Organized performances and events to commemorate the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Education
Bachelor of Business Information & Communication Technology at Mount Kenya University
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2015Bachelor at Mount Kenya University
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2015Bachelor of Business Information & Communication Technology at Mount Kenya University
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2015Bachelor of Business Information & Communication Technology at Mount Kenya University
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2015Qualifications
CPR First Aid
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Child Growth and Development
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Infection Control in Child Care
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Injury Prevention and Child Safety
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Managing Common Childhood Illnesses
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Brain Development
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and Abusive Head Trauma
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Curatorship
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Set Design
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Art Healing in Domestic Violence
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025CPR First Aid
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Child Growth and Development
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Infection Control in Child Care
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Injury Prevention and Child Safety
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Managing Common Childhood Illnesses
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Brain Development
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Abusive Head Trauma
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Curatorship
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Set Design
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Art Healing in Domestic Violence
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025CPR First Aid
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Child Growth and Development
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Infection Control in Child Care
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Injury Prevention and Child Safety
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Managing Common Childhood Illnesses
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Brain Development
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Curatorship
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Set Design
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Art Healing in Domestic Violence
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025CPR First Aid
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Child Growth and Development
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Infection Control in Child Care
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Injury Prevention and Child Safety
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Managing Common Childhood Illnesses
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Brain Development
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Abusive Head Trauma
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Curatorship
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Set Design
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Art Healing in Domestic Violence
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025Industry Experience
Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other
Experience Level
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