As preparations heighten for the All Africa Deaf Arts Festival (AADAF) 4.0, the Seams Deaf-Pro Foundation has renewed its call for strengthened partnerships and wider support to deliver an inclusive and impactful event in Oyo and Ibadan.
At a media briefing, the Executive Director, Mr. Samuel James, underscored the importance of the festival, noting that it plays a vital role in restoring dignity, visibility and justice to Deaf creatives who remain largely overlooked within Africa’s artistic landscape.
He emphasised that collaboration is central to the festival’s continued growth, stressing the need for partners who genuinely believe in intentional inclusion.
James appealed for support from individuals, organisations, government institutions and private-sector stakeholders.
“Partnership will determine this festival’s success. We urgently require assistance for accommodation, travel for international delegates, training personnel, equipment and essential materials for participants. This is a collective mission,” he said.
He highlighted that the Deaf community across the continent is rich in creativity but often unheard.
“This festival provides Deaf artists the platform they deserve, where their skills can be celebrated without restriction,” he added.
James explained that AADAF was conceived to address the lack of sustainable opportunities for Deaf and disabled youths to acquire creative skills, earn income and participate meaningfully in Africa’s expanding creative economy.
He said this year’s week-long edition, scheduled for Dec. 1–6, will feature intensive masterclasses in digital art, professional dance, dramatic performance, leadership, production and stagecraft at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
According to him, 100 Deaf youths will be hosted in a fully residential empowerment camp designed to build confidence and unlock potential through structured and professional training.
James added that the grand finale, billed for the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre at the University of Ibadan, will showcase performances, exhibitions, film screenings and conversations on accessibility, inclusion and policy reforms within the African creative sector.
He noted that participants from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and several other countries will feature, united by creativity, resilience and a shared commitment to a more inclusive arts ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Akhere Akran, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategist and member of the Foundation, said the festival was essential because it affirms dignity, visibility and justice for Deaf Africans.
She stressed that the Deaf community is full of cultural richness and artistic brilliance but is frequently unseen, adding that the festival provides the visibility, legitimacy and stage time often denied to Deaf creators.
Akran emphasised that equity requires deliberate access, and the festival ensures that Deaf artists can participate, perform and lead.
She added that Deaf art is a universal expression that bridges language and ability, using movement, drama and visual storytelling to communicate powerfully across cultures.
“This festival is a declaration that the Deaf community belongs, leads and contributes meaningfully to Africa’s heritage,” she said.
As the briefing concluded, Mr. Ade Oyeyipo, Founder of Lightwork Media House, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to inclusion and encouraged stakeholders to support the festival so that Deaf artists can continue to showcase their extraordinary talent and be fully recognized within the creative space.