Rehabilitation project for the Centre for Training and Research in Dramatic Arts (CFRAD) in Brazzaville

The Centre for Training and Research in Dramatic Arts (CFRAD) in Brazzaville is a major historical and cultural landmark founded in 1904. Originally, it served as a French civilian and military club before becoming an emblematic artistic centre of Congo. Notably, it hosted the Brazzaville Conference in 1944, presided over by General de Gaulle.

Over time, CFRAD established itself as a key space for training, creation, and dissemination of performing arts, training several generations of Congolese actors, directors, and performing arts professionals.Le Centre de formation et de recherche en art dramatique (CFRAD) de Brazzaville est un haut lieu historique et culturel fondé en 1904.

The completion of the works brings hope for the revival of this legendary venue as a driving force of the Congolese artistic scene and a powerful symbol of memory and cultural openness.

The first line of action of the rehabilitation project focuses on the restoration and enhancement of the Centre for Training and Research in Dramatic Arts (CFRAD), fully integrating it into Brazzaville’s historical heritage itinerary.

It includes several key steps: First, in-depth design and construction studies will be carried out to ensure a faithful and durable restoration while adapting the site to contemporary needs. Then, the project will involve securing the site and fully renovating the building to save the CFRAD from further deterioration and restore its cultural and educational mission.

Beyond the building itself, the project also aims to highlight a broader heritage trail by connecting emblematic sites in Brazzaville, such as Le Signal, Félix Eboué Stadium, and Sainte-Anne Basilica. This network of sites, which bears witness to the historical French presence and the strategic role of the city during World War II, will help strengthen collective memory while giving new cultural and touristic momentum to the city.

Through this approach, the rehabilitation of the CFRAD becomes a strong and meaningful element: it is not only about restoring a building but also about bringing an entire chapter of history back to life.

The second line of action focuses on designing an ambitious cultural and artistic strategy for the future building, in order to bring a new coherence to all heritage and artistic initiatives in Brazzaville. This approach aims first to define a clear and structured institutional project for CFRAD, incorporating a fundamental issue: governance. The objective is to develop a management model that is inclusive, transparent, and sustainable. This strategy must ensure that, once rehabilitated, CFRAD does not remain a static monument but becomes a truly vibrant centre — a driving force for cultural and artistic dynamism.

In this spirit, a documentary on the history of CFRAD — highlighting its cultural and social importance within Brazzaville throughout the 20th century — will be produced.

In parallel, an in-depth diagnostic study will be conducted on the current state and needs of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) sector in Congo. This analysis will identify the strengths and weaknesses of the sector, map existing infrastructure, assess stakeholders’ expectations, and formulate concrete recommendations regarding training and support.

This study will serve as a foundation for implementing a support program for cultural entrepreneurs. Specific modules will be offered to CCI stakeholders, enabling them to acquire practical skills to develop and sustain their projects, better understand business models, and strengthen their financial autonomy. This training program aims to stimulate the local creative ecosystem, while fostering the emergence of innovative and sustainable initiatives in the long term, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges faced by women.