The Executive Director of Seams Deaf-Pro Foundation, Mr Samuel James, has appealed for strong partnerships and support ahead of the All Africa Deaf Arts Festival (AADAF) 4.0 in Oyo and Ibadan.
Speaking at a media briefing, James said the festival was ‘not optional but necessary’, noting that it restored dignity, visibility and justice to Deaf creatives who remained underrepresented in Africa’s arts sector.
He emphasised that the festival’s growth depended heavily on collaboration, adding that it needed partners who believed inclusion must be lived intentionally.
James urged individuals, NGOs, government and corporates to join the mission.
“Partnership ‘ll drive this festival’s success. We urgently need support for accommodation, international delegates’ transport, training personnel, equipment, and participant materials. We cannot achieve this alone,” he passionately appealed.
James noted that the Deaf community across Africa was rich with talent, yet often unheard.
“This festival places Deaf artists on the main stage, where their brilliance shines without limitation,” he stressed.
He said AADAF was created to bridge the absence of sustainable pathways for Deaf and disabled youths to develop creative skills, earn income and contribute confidently to Africa’s fast-growing creative economy.
“This year’s week-long event from Dec. 1 – Dec. 6 includes masterclasses in digital art, professional dance techniques, dramatic expression, leadership, production and stagecraft, hosted at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
“We are hosting 100 Deaf youths in a fully residential empowerment camp. They deserve spaces where their confidence grows and their potential is nurtured intentionally and professionally,” James explained.
The Foundation’s executive director noted that the grand finale would hold at the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan, featuring performances, exhibitions, films and dialogues on inclusion, accessibility and policy reform across Africa’s creative space.
He further revealed that artists from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and other African countries would participate, adding that they come united by resilience, creativity and a shared dream of a truly inclusive arts ecosystem.
In her remark, Dr Akhere Akran, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Behavioural strategist (DEIB), who doubled as a member of the Seams Deaf Pro-Foundation, said the festival was not optional but necessary, as it speaks to dignity, visibility, and justice for the Deaf community.
Akran declared that the Deaf community in Africa was rich with talent, culture, and brilliance, yet often unseen, adding that the festival would change that story, placing Deaf artists where they belong on the main stage, celebrated fully.
According to her, this festival moves beyond rhetoric, providing stage time, visibility, and legitimacy for Deaf creatives who often remain on society’s margins.
“Equity requires intentional access by creating accessible artistic spaces, the festival enables Deaf people to perform, participate, and lead, reminding us that inclusion is an active, not passive effort.
“Deaf art transcends language, ability, and culture, through dance, drama, and visual storytelling, Deaf artists communicate powerfully, preserving identity while connecting audiences across Africa and the globe.
“This festival is a statement of dignity, It affirms that the Deaf community belongs, matters, and leads, it tells Deaf youth and society alike: You belong. You matter. You are creators, leaders, and custodians of African art and culture.
“As a DEIB strategist, I make bold to say that, ‘Inclusion must be lived, not proclaimed’. This festival moves beyond rhetoric, creating platforms where everyone can participate, access is intentional, and voices that are too often overlooked are given room to rise.
“Art unites across language, ability, and culture. ‘Expression through dance, drama, painting, and storytelling empowers Deaf artists to communicate and be understood’. The festival will provide space where they feel fully seen,” she added.
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Also, Mr Ade Oyeyipo, Founder of Lightwork Media House, reiterated its commitment to inclusion, and urged public and private stakeholders to support the event to further showcase participants’ exceptional talents.
“These artists possess remarkable talent regardless of their special needs, and it is important for everyone, government, organisations, and individuals to support them so their creativity is fully recognized and celebrated,” Oyeyipo added
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