MILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB: Redefining African Art Through Digital Innovation
MILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB is an initiative of Milele Museum, Africa's first virtual museum, dedicated to preserving and promoting African knowledge and practices
Welcome to MILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB
Founded in Rwanda, Milele Museum’s mission is to reclaim ownership of African heritage through digital technologies, such as virtual reality, 3D scanning, and interactive gaming. With the creation of MILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB, the museum takes a step further.
Art, Heritage, and Technology.
MILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB serves as a platform for dialogue, exploration, and creative experimentation—inviting both established artists to push boundaries and reimagine their work in the digital age.
Euphotopia Pyramids (2021-04) by CandaMILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB
Experience Contemporary African Art
Milele Museum and the lab is founded by Rwandan multidisciplinary artist Canda and Rwandan-Kurdish curator Melissa Kurkut. MCL explores African narratives and creativity through digital storytelling, VR/AR, and hybrid events, connecting African art to global audiences in immersive ways.
Preserving African Heritage in the Digital Realm
Have you ever talked to the past and the past responds? Milele is renowned for building a virtual museum dedicated to African knowledge, practices and re-claiming stolen artifacts through gaming experience.
Recontextualizing African archives with Community Engagement
As part of the Milele Museum initiative, the lab builds on the museum’s foundational work of preserving African heritage through research and education. Milele Museum educates on African traditions while actively engaging in interactive workshops and on-site research.
Band of Brothers (2024) by MucyoMILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB
Creating New Avenues for Cross-Cultural Exchange
MILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB continues this work by amplifying the voices of contemporary African artists. The lab expands access to African art by contributing to the ongoing decolonization of cultural narratives.
Art, Humans & Universe + Workshop (2021-11) by MeliibeesMILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB
Beyond Conservation and Heritage, there is ecosystem
MILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB conducts case-studies related to the African ecosystem in fundamental life. We work with experts in different fields such as farmers, agronomists, doctors, and electricians. We experiment how creative solutions can contribute to sustainability.
A Vibranting Digital Future for African Creativity
MILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB helps shape the future of African art, bridging past traditions with modern creativity, and empowering future generations to celebrate their heritage in powerful, innovative ways.
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