Deaf Arts Festival 4.0: Seams Foundation seeks partnerships, support
Festival
Spectacle- The Executive Director of Seams Deaf-Pro Foundation, Mr Samuel James, has appealed for partnerships and support ahead of the All Africa Deaf Arts Festival (AADF) 4.0 in Oyo and Ibadan.
James told newsmen that the festival is ‘not optional but necessary’.
He noted that, it restores dignity, visibility and justice to deaf people with their creatives, who remain underrepresented in Africa’s arts sector.
He emphasised that the festival’s growth depends heavily on collaboration.
He added that it need partners who believe in inclusion.
“It must be lived intentionally also”.
He urged individuals, NGOs, government and corporates bodies to join the mission.
“Partnership will 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 is rich with talent, yet often unheard.
“This festival places Deaf artists on the main stage, where their brilliance shines without limitation”.
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. 1–6 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 full residential empowerment camp. They deserve spaces where their confidence grows and their potential is nurtured intentionally and professionally,” James explained.
The Foundation Executive Director noted that the grand finale will 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 said that artists from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and other African countries will participate.
He also said “they come united by resilience, creativity and a shared dream of a truly inclusive arts ecosystem,”.
Dr Akhere Akran, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Behavioural strategist (DEIB), who doubled as a member of the Seams Deaf Pro-Foundation said the festival is not optional but necessary, as it speaks to dignity, visibility, and justice for the Deaf community.
Akran declared that the Deaf community in Africa is rich with talent, culture, and brilliance, yet often unseen, adding that, the festival changes that story, placing Deaf artists where they belong on the main stage, to be 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 provides space where they feel fully seen,” she added.
Also, Mr Ade Oyeyipo, Founder of Lightwork Media House, reiterated their 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 recognised and celebrated.” Oyeyipo added.- Spectacle