Who Are We

Centre d’art Waza is an independent contemporary art centre founded in 2010 by a group of artists and curators in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. The name Waza means “imagine” in Swahili, reflecting the centre’s commitment to creative exploration and collective imagination. Waza develops exhibitions, publications, performances, and cultural productions that support experimental artistic practices, foster critical thinking, and promote alternative ways of sharing knowledge and engaging with social realities.

Situated in the heart of Lubumbashi, Waza provides resources, spaces, and platforms for artists, cultural operators, researchers, and communities to collaborate, exchange, and innovate across disciplines. The centre hosts a diverse range of activities including art exhibitions, public programmes, residencies, workshops, and experimental media projects, and it supports ongoing research, curatorial experiments, and cultural dialogue both locally and internationally.

Waza’s practice extends beyond conventional art presentation to include initiatives that address questions of heritage, memory, emancipation, and community knowledge production. The centre has developed collaborations with cultural organizations across Africa and beyond, and has participated in major global platforms such as documenta fifteen. Through its programs and partnerships, Waza continues to advance the role of contemporary art as a space for critical inquiry, social connection, and collective transformation.