Beeta Arts Committed to nurturing Talents – Graham-Douglas

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Beeta Arts Festival has said that as a breeding ground for creativity, it is committed to nurturing talents and providing structured support and funding essential for growth.

The festival convener, Bikiya Graham-Douglas disclosed this at the fourth edition of the festival held between December 4th and 8th in Abuja themed, “We Are Here,” attracted a diverse audience of artists, creatives, and changemakers across the continent.

The Beeta Arts Festival 2024 lit up Abuja with a dynamic celebration of African storytelling, culture, and creativity.

The festival opened with an exclusive screening of “For Amina”, a film by Beeta Productions directed by Lyndsey Efejuku.

Inspired by the resilience of Bikiya Graham-Douglas’ matriarch, the film set a poignant tone for the week ahead, focusing on the power of African stories in shaping perceptions and bringing about change.

Graham Douglas said: “We are committed to nurturing talents and giving new voices a platform at the Beeta Arts Festival. This year alone, we have two new female directors directing plays and male directors doing great things.”

During the Investors’ Roundtable, where Tosin Dabiri of Chapel Hill Denham led discussions on the Creative Catalyst Fund which offers funding opportunities for Nigeria’s creative industries, Graham-Douglas urged the government to recognise the sector’s economic potential.

She noted: “Festivals like this are breeding grounds for creativity. Structured support and funding are essential for growth.”

Also, Public Diplomacy Counsellor of the United States Embassy, Lee McManis expressed his support for the festival’s work in promoting creativity across Africa.

He said, “The Beeta Arts Festival has been excellent. We witnessed works from all across Africa, and the festival continues to grow each year. We’re excited to see what next year holds—it will be bigger.”

Also in attendance was the Botswana Deputy High Commissioner showing her support making comments about cross culture exchange between African countries.

The festival featured a series of thought-provoking performances, including the emotional “See Me” performed by Dolapo Bankole originally written and performed by Graham-Douglas and a poetry recital by Ono Owi Ocho, who shared verses from his book “We Will Sing Water.”

Audiences were treated to stage plays such “Is My Hobby”, written by Delarin Awotedu, “Who Knows Amanda” written by Gloria Asokolo, “One Chance” written by Udeme Ralph, “Electric Pole” written by Olarotimi Fakunle and “Mask We Wear” written by Yemi Akande, as well as films from across Africa at the Framed Continental Experience, including “Four Walls and a Roof” (Namibia) and “Mediterranean Day (Tunisia)”, among others.

These performances reflected the festival’s dedication to providing a platform for emerging voices.

The Beeta Arts Festival 2024 reaffirmed its role as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and cultural advocacy, cementing its legacy as a platform that celebrates African talent and drives meaningful change.