Park Poétik Kinshasa
Dreams beyond borders
Park Poétik inspires people to dream and helps them make those dreams come true. This creates a network of projects and collaborationsthat spread like a fungus and blend into the local context.
The start of a new project
After his residency at Park Poétik's art summer in 2022, the talented young visual artist Daniel Toya – Robotboy decided to organise the Park Poétik Kinshasa street festival . Upon his return to Matete - a municipality in south-west Kinshasa - he reached out to artists he had previously worked with and went in search of new talent. An intense exchange process followed, with discussions about the principles of Park Poétik Kinshasa. Despite some communication problems and absences, the commitment remained strong and the right to art and culture in the DR Congo was vigorously pursued.
Three editions
During the inaugural edition in 2023, local artists from the Matete neighborhood took center stage. They showcased a wide range of artworks and performances: Plam’s Art painted a powerful live portrait reflecting the challenges faced by the Congolese people; Vainqueur, a robot costume made from recycled materials, came to life thanks to Daniel Toya; Thierry Matouz performed a participatory Michael Jackson–style dance; Peter and his band delivered a vibrant rap concert; and Clovis and his percussion group brought rhythm and energy to the streets. Meanwhile, a documentary was created remotely in Brussels, directed by Vanessa Mbuyi.
One year later, in 2024, poetry once again flowed through the streets of Matete. This moment marked the birth of the Charrette Poétik: a go-kart-like creation, both a carrier of wonder and a symbol of unity. A mobile poetry vehicle with the ambition to infuse all of Kinshasa with creativity. This time, Vanessa was there in person to meet the artists face-to-face.
In 2025, Park Poétik Kinshasa once again filled the streets of Matete with poetry. A new dimension this year was the street residency in the Mont-Ngafula district, where Vanessa Mbuyi – coordinator of Park Poétik Kinshasa – stayed for a while. Through new artistic initiatives and a film debate inspired by the documentary on the 2023 edition, Park Poétik Kinshasa aims to continue inspiring local authorities to invest more significantly in art and culture.
Are you in?
Do you have a project in mind and are you looking for inspiration in Park Poétik? Take a look at Poétik je mee, contact us and let's dream together!
