TALKING THROUGH ART
Talking Through Art (TTA) was founded in early 2015 by Petr Kočnar, an artist and interior design graduate from the Czech Republic. TTA is dedicated to empowering women with disabilities in Rwanda by providing them with meaningful employment. We currently employ over 100 women who create exquisite woven baskets and custom-made mosquito nets, offering them a path to financial independence and dignity.
At TTA, we believe that disability is not inability.
Our mission is to restore confidence in these women, proving that they can contribute to society and earn a sustainable income. In addition to providing employment, we are committed to supporting education. Thanks to generous individual donors, TTA sends 30 children of these women to school, covering their fees, materials, and other essential needs. Our handcrafted baskets, which reflect the rich culture and craftsmanship of Rwanda, are primarily sold in local hotels, bringing our artisans' work to both domestic and international visitors.
check, what is it all about!
BASKET MAKING!
All of our members are provided with a comprehensive training and with
raw materials to begin their work. Upon completion, they are paid an
above-average market price for each product. Completed items are sold
locally, in our gallery, in Rwanda in different hotels and internationally.
The remaining profit is used to support the running of the organization, to
purchase raw materials, and for member transport fees.
CULTURAL WALKING TOURS and COOKING CLASSES!
Join us for unforgettable cultural tours, cooking classes, and weaving workshops — all guided by our friendly team at Talking Through Art.
🌍 Our Tours & Experiences (tours starts at 9am)
Cultural Walking Tour – Explore hidden Gikondo, taste local snacks, enjoy stunning views, and learn Rwanda’s stories with your guide Omar
Half-day: Rwf 20,000
With lunch: Rwf 25,000
Full day (tour + lunch + weaving class): Rwf 30,000
Mizuzu (Sweet Plantain) Cooking Tour – Shop at the local market, cook with Emmilienne, and share a Rwandan lunch.
Rwf 30,000 per person
Chilli Pepper Cooking Tour – Shop at a local market, make your own chilli chutney to take home & share a delicious Rwandan lunch.
Rwf 30,000 per person
Weaving Class – Learn basket weaving from our women and create your own souvenir.
Rwf 15,000 per person
Workshops, volunteering, or maybe just a lazy coffee afternoon at TTA!
You are very welcome to spend some time with us!
Get to know local culture and crafts while enjoying delicious Rwandan coffee or tea.
Take a weaving class yourself or shop for wonderfully designed hand-made products.
There is so much we you can do to make this world a better place!
see, what others think!
Kitz,
Topsail Beach, NC161 contributions
Peter is an AMAZING person who truly cares for the welfare of others. He employs many people, mostly ladies who work hard making beautiful baskets, placemats and mosquito netting among other things. Everyone at "Talking Through Art" were welcoming and even gave me a lesson in basket making. Their products are very high quality and unique to other things I've seen in the area. Peter and his organization are an inspiration for us all!
click the link to see all our Tripadvisor reviews!
Petr Kočnar
CEO
loves travelling and photography
incurable perfectionist
WELCOME!
Walking the streets of Kigali, Petr often stopped to talk with local people, especially those living with disabilities. Through these conversations, he saw the challenges they faced — but also their incredible potential.
He asked himself: “Why not create a group where people with disabilities can work together, create art, and earn a living with dignity?”
With a background in art and previous experience working with people with disabilities, Petr began by organizing an art therapy program. After seeing its success, he officially established Talking Through Art (TTA) in February 2015 with the dream of helping people with disabilities gain new skills, confidence, and a place in the job market.
Over the past decade, TTA has grown from a small initiative into a recognized professional organization. In early 2025, TTA proudly celebrated its 10-year anniversary, now employing and empowering more than 100 women with disabilities. Beyond basket weaving, TTA has become known for producing the highest quality woven art, decorating local hotels, contributing to interior design projects, and showcasing Rwanda’s growing reputation as a country of innovation, sustainability, and cultural pride.
TTA’s impact extends beyond employment. Through vocational training in traditional basket weaving, art therapy, English classes, family planning, and life skills workshops, the organization helps its members build confidence, self-esteem, and independence. TTA also identifies sponsors to support the education of members’ children, ensuring brighter futures for the next generation.
Looking forward, TTA’s vision for the next 10 years is ambitious: to build an architectural masterpiece — a cultural centre overlooking Kigali city. This four-story building will feature a large art gallery, classrooms for workshops and seminars, and a rooftop restaurant, becoming both a hub of creativity and a landmark for cultural exchange in Rwanda.
Talking Through Art is proud to be part of Rwanda’s journey of growth and sustainability — proving that disability is not inability, and that together, art can transform lives.