MINA RWINA

MINA RWINA (2021 – ongoing) is a multi- and interdisciplinary art project founded by movement artist and curator Simomo Bouj. It serves as a collaborative space where artists unite to create fragile and experimental performances, offering both neurodivergent and neurotypical creators a safe haven to share their unique perspectives. With the support of various partners, MINA RWINA amplifies these voices within their communities and the wider art world. Focusing on queer artists and their allies, MINA RWINA warmly welcomes neurodiverse audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The project centres on artists navigating multiple truths, beauty standards, and evolving values in an ever-changing world. It celebrates those who defy singular definitions and embrace multiple disciplines, highlighting the fragility and complexity inherent in their work.

When visitors step into MINA RWINA, they enter a vibrant, immersive environment where the lines between performer and audience blur intentionally. They might find themselves dancing freely, choosing the intensity of their experience. Cosy nooks adorned with beautiful carpets invite relaxation and reflection, creating a peaceful contrast to the lively ambience. Interactive activities, such as manicures and communal creativity, foster a sense of belonging. Spontaneous performances emerge and dissolve, keeping the atmosphere fresh and unpredictable. While there’s no fixed schedule, the possibilities are abundant, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.

As guests wander, they’ll discover many objects crafted by talented artists, with almost everything available for sale. The venue transforms into a living gallery where art and life intertwine, often with food served to encourage communal dining and conversation. Upon arrival, visitors are invited to remove their shoes, symbolizing a transformation that deepens their immersion into the MINA RWINA space. It is hoped that their thoughts will dance alongside the performers’ creativity here. Guided by Simomo, a harmonious exchange is nurtured where performers feel empowered and adventurous, and the audience feels safe, entertained, and acknowledged.

At MINA RWINA, everyone plays a part in shaping the atmosphere, making it challenging to distinguish between performers and audience members. Artists from various backgrounds blend their talents, merging different worlds. Visitors might encounter a dancer who is also a hairstylist, performing while offering haircuts, or a certified massage therapist with artistic flair providing a unique massage experience. MINA RWINA can become whatever one envisions—a KIKI, a panel discussion, a jam session, a salon… Each engagement shapes the experience, and guests are encouraged to practice “the art of being interested,” actively exploring and participating.

Emphasizing neurodivergence and the fragility of creative expression, MINA RWINA offers a sanctuary for artists and audiences alike to explore identity and experience. It celebrates the delicate nature of art born from vulnerability, creating a space where these qualities are not just accepted but embraced. Visiting MINA RWINA invites guests into a world where art, identity, and experience converge. It’s a place that celebrates diversity, fosters genuine connections, and encourages meaningful engagement with art and others in unexpected ways.