About Us
COLUMBUS
AFRICAN FESTIVAL
The Columbus African Festival is a bold, yet comprehensive approach to cultural reconversion and reconstruction within the African Diaspora in Central Ohio. It is grounded in the fact that many festivals which take place in the African communities are either singular or dual-focused (Film, Performing Art, Fine Art., etc.)
The Columbus African Festival as a theoretical and conceptual framework seeks to take a Renaissance approach to art and various forms of artistic expression. In this context, art is not just art for art’s sake, but is the creative cultural production of a people’s common history, common lifestyles, and their common and collective aspiration for a higher form of life and humanity. Building on the notion that 2011-2021 is the UN-sanctioned, International Decade for People of African Descent, the Columbus African Festival will showcase the breadth and expansiveness of African and Diasporan creative productive capacity with an emphasis on sustainability.
Festivals are not only for entertainment but are the artistic manifestation of a people’s values, collective personality, cultural creativity, and ultimately, their aspiration and vision of a higher level of life. Thus, in this context, the African-centered Approach to Wholistic Medicine becomes an art form. The Columbus African Festival approach would also highlight the Africanity in Music, Food, Dance, Fashion, Language, and even the artistry of the way we love when in harmony with our African self.
The Columbus African Festival is a bold, yet comprehensive approach to cultural reconversion and reconstruction within the African Diaspora in Central Ohio. It is grounded in the fact that many festivals which take place in the African communities are either singular or dual-focused (Film, Performing Art, Fine Art., etc.)
The Columbus African Festival as a theoretical and conceptual framework seeks to take a Renaissance approach to art and various forms of artistic expression. In this context, art is not just art for art’s sake, but is the creative cultural production of a people’s common history, common lifestyles, and their common and collective aspiration for a higher form of life and humanity. Building on the notion that 2011-2021 is the UN-sanctioned, International Decade for People of African Descent, the Columbus African Festival will showcase the breadth and expansiveness of African and Diasporan creative productive capacity with an emphasis on sustainability.
Festivals are not only for entertainment but are the artistic manifestation of a people’s values, collective personality, cultural creativity, and ultimately, their aspiration and vision of a higher level of life. Thus, in this context, the African-centered Approach to Wholistic Medicine becomes an art form. The Columbus African Festival approach would also highlight the Africanity in Music, Food, Dance, Fashion, Language, and even the artistry of the way we love when in harmony with our African self.
The Columbus African Festival will also serve to enlighten the public interest in the African Arts and to encourage artistic brainstorming and African exchange. The Festival will present an avenue for emerging and established artists to showcase their work on an international platform. Thereby creating opportunities for collaboration with other Artists and build new audiences.
The Columbus African Festival of Arts will feature the Best of local and international African Music, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, Fashion Shows, Poetry, Comedy, African Design, Textiles, Foods (Taste of Africa), and many from other African cultural expressions.
The Columbus African festival of the Arts is comprised of collaborative development of the African Countries immigrants living here in Columbus and other surrounding states. For Africans, being active participants in the United States involves a degree of sharing of their culture with other members of their different communities, as well as amongst themselves.
The Columbus African festival will be an annual celebration of the African rich culture and heritage. It’s going to be a timeless and jubilant celebration.
Objectives
We are an array of talents and dedicated team to doing great work that projects the culture and values of the African continent and the diaspora.
Dr. Barth Shepkong
Chair, Board of Directors
Dr. Gachomo Mapis
Board Member
Mr. Reginald Rowland
Board Member
Saheed O. Adeleye
Board Member
