Yinka Olatunbosun
The maiden edition of the National Arts in Health Conference is set to hold in Lagos from May 24 till May 30. Convened by Kunle Adewale, the founder of Arts in Medicine Projects in Nigeria, the conference will be held in partnership with health and art institutions as well as faith-based organizations.
Created to strengthen institutional ties and bridge the gap between the arts and health sector, the conference will feature 21 events including paper presentations, talk sessions, master classes, short film screenings, community project presentations, art exhibitions and the commissioning of the first Arts and Health innovation hub in Africa.
“It is going to be a gathering of students, professionals, cultural organizations, healthcare institutions, community members and stakeholders in the health and community well-being,’’ the convener said. Designed as a bi-annual event, this edition will be a hybrid experience with online and on-site participants.
The keynote address for the conference will be delivered by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi on May 26. The event will kick-off with opening remarks by the United State Consul-General, Claire Pierangelo with a goodwill message from the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.
The conference is organized in partnership with Lagos State Ministry of Health, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, Centre for Contemporary Arts, Lagos, US Mission Nigeria, RCCG Freedom Court, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, African Artists’ Foundation, Gabi William Alzheimer’s Foundation, Asido Foundation, Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SUPRIN), Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria amongst others.
