Kisoro, Uganda — March 26, 2026 – Kisoro Art Island, a cultural retreat on the shores of Lake Mutanda, has officially opened its doors, marking a new cultural landmark in Uganda. The retreat, co-founded by celebrated Ugandan artist Ruganzu Bruno, is designed to foster sustainable economic growth and celebrate the Afrofuturist spirit of the region.
Nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains and adjacent to UNESCO — protected forests, Kisoro Art Island offers a blend of contemporary art and hospitality. The architecture of the retreat, led by Ugandan architect Musabyi Alex, is inspired by indigenous Ugandan forms and Afrofuturist design, with guest villas shaped like traditional calabashes and incorporating elements of the UNESCO-protected craft of Barkcloth.
The island features a diverse art collection curated by Ruganzu Bruno, including works by renowned artists such as Sanaa Gateja and Samuel Kortey Baah. The collection also includes installations by U. S. Artist Shrine, which use repurposed plastic waste to address environmental concerns.
In addition to its accommodations, Kisoro Art Island offers exclusive gorilla trekking expeditions, guided by experienced guides from ranger families, and scenic boat trips. The retreat aims to provide an intimate and respectful experience, with treks limited to small groups of ten people per tour.
The project is supported by the Sijbrandij Foundation and aims to foster economic upliftment through creative tourism, drawing inspiration from successful international art destinations like Naoshima, Japan, and Bilbao, Spain. Kisoro Art Island is poised to become a cultural catalyst for the region’s development, offering a unique blend of art, nature, and community engagement.
Source: Panafricanvisions
