This edition celebrates a decade of massive promotions of Africa\u2019s cultural heritage, finest authors and other creatives, with Sterling Bank Plc and the Book-Buzz Foundation, behind its success.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, Sterling Bank Plc and the Book-Buzz Foundation have jointly announced the continuation of their partnership for the 10th edition of the festival taking place in Lagos from 24-26 November 2022; meaning more robust outings in the future.<\/p>\n
This was disclosed in a joint statement issued by the Chief Marketing Officer of Sterling Bank, Ibidapo Martins, and award-winning writer and poet, and the director of the Book Buzz Foundation Lola Shoneyin.<\/p>\n
The Ake Arts and Books Festival is an annual celebration of African Culture and literature, featuring book chats, panel discussions, readings, workshops, roundtable discussions, performances, stage plays, as well as art exhibitions from Nigerian and international artists.<\/p>\n
Themed, \u201cHome Coming\u201d, the 2022 festival\u2019s theme according to Shoneyin, is based on the recognition that, \u201cAlthough our African roots influence our arts and creative expression as we migrate and settle across the globe, these bonds may weaken with time, making the ritual of homecoming even more significant\u201d. She noted the importance of African creatives experiencing \u201cthe regenerative power of our ancestral roots\u201d, adding that, Ake Festival is a safe space for black people of the world to hold open and frank discussions about what it means to be African, its creativity, and the place of its Art in the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do not shy away from difficult conversations but actively confront taboo subjects. We are of the firm belief that understanding and tolerance are critical for collective growth. That\u2019s why, after three days of cultural immersion, everyone goes home forever changed, motivated and inspired,\u201d Shoneyin added.<\/p>\n
Commenting on why Sterling Bank has consistently sponsored the festival in recent times, Mr. Martins said, \u201cStorytellers are the custodians of our collective truths and they must be protected and supported at all times. \u201dCommending Shoneyin and the Festival team for a decade of running an exciting and vibrant cultural event described as \u201cthe biggest convergence of creative Africans in the world,\u201d Martins added that, \u201cSterling Bank takes a broad view of the role of banking institutions in developing societies like ours. When we first partnered with the festival six years ago, we knew we were entering into a special relationship. We are proud that we maintained and deepened our friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the bank is impressed with the festival\u2019s impact on the country\u2019s reading culture, adding that, \u201cStorytellers and artists occupy a critical role in the shaping of the African continent and we owe it to ourselves, and future generations, to support them in our personal, professional and national capacities.\u201d<\/p>\n
He observed that partnering with the Ak\u00e9 festival has not only helped the bank to walk the talk, but it has also enabled the management of the bank to feel the humanising and motivating effect of prioritising culture and creativity through music, art, theatre, film, and stories.<\/p>\n
Shoneyin who is also Director and Founder of the Ake Arts and Books Festival, disclosed during a press conference in Lagos that she founded the festival in 2013 in a bid to create more spaces where African writers and artists can converge, dialogue, and interact with those who consume their work.\u201cI believed it was important to have a well-organised literary event on Africa\u2019s cultural calendar. With a marvellous team and dedicated volunteers, we have been able to pull off a world-class festival in Nigeria for nine years. Even COVID-19 didn\u2019t stop us; we swiftly adapted to the times and moved the festival online, creating the opportunity to have many more guest speakers\u201d.<\/p>\n
The festival has served Africa\u2019s creative community for nine years, bringing together over a thousand writers, poets, dancers, filmmakers, artists, thinkers, and actors and featuring both emerging and established voices. Details on registrations, sessions, and more about the 2022 Ake Arts and Books Festival can be found at www.akefest.orgmon<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
With preparations made so far and, the lineup of guests for the 2022 edition of Ake Arts and Books Festival, it\u2019s clear this year\u2019s feast is coming out bigger with breathtaking packages.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12963,"featured_media":22542,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,12],"tags":[7,30,14],"class_list":{"0":"post-22545","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-culture","8":"category-entertainment","9":"tag-apie-project","10":"tag-culture","11":"tag-entertainment"},"yoast_head":"\n