April 15 marks World Art Day, a global celebration of creativity, cultural expression, and the vital role of the arts in human development. At OneNature, we’ve seen firsthand how art can transform communities, preserve heritage, and support conservation.
During our recent Wild Happiness – Rwanda trip, we partnered with the Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development, an inspiring organization that weaves art, culture, and conservation together to empower communities living near Volcanoes National Park. These communities are navigating major changes as the park expands to support the growing population of mountain gorillas—one of conservation’s great success stories.
Art and Culture at the Heart of Conservation
From vibrant traditional drumming and dance ceremonies to innovative trauma therapy through the arts, Red Rocks’ programs are deeply rooted in cultural expression. Art isn’t just a pastime here—it’s a powerful tool for healing, income generation, and environmental awareness.
At the Red Rocks Community Art Center in Nyakinama, artists preserve intangible heritage while mentoring the next generation. In Kinigi, the Red Rocks Arts Center offers a creative space to explore Rwanda’s living traditions through painting, sculpture, storytelling, and craft.
Art is also used to support environmental restoration and mental health. From trauma therapy using music and dance, to filmmaking classes training the next generation of Rwandan conservation storytellers, these initiatives show how art uplifts, educates, and connects people with their environment.
Art in Action: A Personal Highlight
One of our favorite moments? Witnessing artist Winnie, a data collector and creative artist, painting a portrait of “my” baby gorilla after our trek in Volcanoes National Park. It was a moving reminder that wildlife can inspire deeply personal expressions of joy and connection—and that art can help us all tell the story of conservation in powerful, human-centered ways.
Learn More, Get Involved
We invite you to learn more about the Wild Happiness project and the work of Red Rocks Initiative at www.onenatureinstitute.org and www.redrocksinitiative.org.
Here is a link to our blog from November, 2024 following the trip – https://onenatureinstitute.org/stories/blog/community-conservation-and-cultural-integration-in-rwanda-launching-onenatures-wild-happiness-project-with-red-rocks-initiative/
Together, we’re showing that conservation thrives when culture and creativity are honored.
Celebrate World Art Day With Us
Whether through painting, music, dance, or craft, creativity has the power to restore our connection with nature—and with each other. This World Art Day, we celebrate the artists, community leaders, and conservationists using culture as a bridge to well-being and sustainability.
