IHRAF @ 5: EMPOWERING AFRICAN WRITERS AND ARTISTS TO CHAMPION HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH ART
By Wole Adedoyin
The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) marks a significant milestone this year as it celebrates its fifth anniversary. Founded by visionary artist Tom Block, IHRAF has emerged as a powerful catalyst for change in the artistic and literary realms across Africa. Through its various initiatives, IHRAF has nurtured, published, and showcased the talents of numerous African writers and artists, fostering a sense of community and a platform for expression.
At the heart of IHRAF's impact is IHRAF Publishes, a platform that has tirelessly championed African voices. Countless African writers have found their works published and shared with a global audience, amplifying diverse narratives and shedding light on the rich cultural tapestry of the continent.
A defining moment for IHRAF came in 2020 when it collaborated with the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) to organize the END SARS National Poetry Competition. This innovative contest was a response to the urgent need to address police brutality and assault through the arts. The synergy between IHRAF and SYNW resulted in the publication of "END SARS Rhythms," an anthology of poems capturing the essence of the protest and its impact.
Building on this success, IHRAF continued to champion human rights issues through the African Human Rights Essay Competition. The subsequent anthology, "The Malady and the Remedy," delved into critical topics, providing a platform for thought-provoking discussions on human rights challenges.
Diversity of expression has been a hallmark of IHRAF's initiatives. The African Human Rights Playwriting Competition, for instance, showcased the innovative capacity of African playwrights to address social issues creatively. Winners of this competition found their works celebrated and shared, contributing to a richer discourse on human rights.
The African Human Rights Short Story Competition was another feather in IHRAF's cap, uncovering narratives that might otherwise have remained untold. These stories were showcased on IHRAF's website, reaching a global audience and fostering greater understanding.
The ongoing African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest stands as a testament to IHRAF's commitment to promoting dynamic and engaging forms of expression. Exceptional works from this contest will take center stage at the upcoming 2023 International Human Rights Art Festival, set to unfold in New York.
Over the course of its journey, IHRAF has showcased the vibrant creativity of African writers through the publication of five impactful anthologies. These anthologies stand as a testament to IHRAF's commitment to amplifying diverse voices and promoting human rights through the arts. The anthology titles include: "END SARS Rhythms," "Get Consent," "The Malady and the Remedy," "Voices of Africa: A Call for Freedom," and "From Africa With Love: Voices of A Creative Continent."
Beyond the publication of anthologies, IHRAF has taken a proactive role in nurturing artistic growth. The organization's innovative initiative, the IHRAF BOOK CLUB, has become a cornerstone of this effort. Through Monthly Book Readings and engaging workshops, IHRAF through its African Secretariat is fostering a community of readers and learners, providing a space for rich discussions and the exploration of thought-provoking literature.
Through these projects, IHRAF has provided indispensable assistance to African writers and artists. Additionally, the IHRAF Interview Series has given audiences a peek into the creative minds behind these endeavors, featuring insightful discussions with more than 150 writers and artists spanning the breadth of the African continent.
As IHRAF enters its fifth year, it does so with a legacy of impact that reverberates throughout the African arts and human rights communities. The organization's dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and promoting human rights through art stands as an inspiration, fostering a future where artistic expression remains a powerful vehicle for change.