Call for Artists OPEN NOW!
A space created for us, by us, about us. An epicenter for young, Black/African genius, creativity, and imagination. After the pandemic cancelled the first edition in 2020, D'atè Festival returns in April 2023.
We are creating futures.
Will us join us?
D'atè' Festival is a multidisciplinary, international arts festival and transatlantic, creative compound showcasing the ingenuity, innovation and creativity of young, emerging artists working in the performing, visual, and media arts.
Originally planned for April 2020, but canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's festival, themed “Ground Zero,” will be an experimental playground where new ideas and creative practices emerge. Artists will present original performances, exhibit visual art works, and organize panel discussions, lecture-demonstrations, and jam sessions during the week.
PARTICIPATION FEES:
Costs for participating in D'atè Festival are listed below. Presenting Artists will be responsible for all travel expenses including but not limited to: airfare, train, bus, etc. and visa costs. DCF will support Presenting Artists by preparing any supporting letters needed to secure visas or funds.
The participation fee covers room/board for seven (7) days, airport pick-up/drop-off, local travel related to the festival, Festival merch (t-shirt, bag, and an administration fee. D'atè Culture Foundation is an artist-centered organization that is working hard to ensure we can offer artist stipends at future D'atè Festivals. However, at this time we are not able to offer artists compensation for their participation.
Nigerian Artist (Fee without Hotel): N81,000
Nigerian Artist (Fee with Hotel): N141,000
International Artist Fee: $500.00
Volunteer at D'atè Festival!
We're looking for folks to support the gathering as greeters/welcome crew, set-up, clean-up, tech crew (lighting, sound, etc.), social media, photography/videography, runners (support any urgent troubleshooting). Volunteer shifts will be created closer to the time of the festival.
Talk Abuja
April 11, 2023 | 5PM
Mambaah Cafè | Creative Hub
How are young Nigerians revolutionizing the cultural landscape of cities like Abuja and Kaduna? Join us for an evening of conversation, networking, and performances featuring the most brilliant and innovative African artists from Nigeria and around the world.
Free and open to the public.
Experience the Hausa International Book & Arts Festival through Virtual Reality! Hosted by HIBAF Co-Founder, Sada Malumfashi.
Afro Dance Workshop with the Abuja Queen, Adila Omotosho!
Learn how to write a strong artist statement that is genuine to your artistic practice with DCF Co-Founder, Bri Heath!
Bring your best dance moves in this community dance battle! Cash Prize 10K!
How do you put together a professional CV and bio? What makes a strong grant proposal? DCF Co-Founder, Brianna Alexis Heath answers this and more in a free, professional development workshop for artists.
DCF Co-Founder, Bri Heath is joined by 10X10 Global Artists-in-Residence, Sumayya Ja'eh and Ambe'r Johnson to lead a community-wide conversation about artmaking and Black/African feminisms in practice.
Nigerian writers, TJ Benson and Sada Malumfashi are joined by DCF Co-Founder, Bri Heath to co-teach a creative writing workshop based on African diasporic writing practices. Attendees will read important works from the African canon and learn different techniques to improve their writing.
A concert celebrating women performance artists of African descent!
How are young Nigerians revolutionizing the cultural landscape of cities like Abuja and Kaduna? Join us for an evening of conversation, networking, and performances featuring the most brilliant and innovative African artists from Nigeria and around the world.
Join DCF Co-Founder, Bri Heath for a community co-dreaming space where artists of all disciplines are welcome to brainstorm, conspire, and bring to life their wildest artistic dreams with others.
It All Began…
In February of 2019, D'atè Culture Foundation hosted Artist Convening--a one-day gathering for young artists in Kaduna, Nigeria, to showcase artistic works, engage in discussion around artmaking, and connect with other emerging artists. In partnership with Ilmihouse (Kaduna), Safe Space Chicago (USA), Hearts Heartist (Abuja), Adila Dance Acrobatics (Abuja) and Epic Royal Arts Services, DCF gathered over 50 emerging and established artists in Kaduna and Abuja, Nigeria, to showcase work in dance, visual art, spoken word, poetry, emcee/rap, etc. and engage in panel discussions and workshops around artistry in Nigeria. The goal of the Convening was to gather all of Kaduna's emerging artists in one room, share dreams and art practices, and create a greater sense of community between artists in Kaduna.
Well-known practitioners including Qudus Onikeku (Lagos), Isaak Laerty (France), Adila Omotosho (Abuja), Olukitibi Bukunmi (Abuja), Brianna Alexis Heath (USA), and Professor Jerry Buhari (Kaduna) joined the gathering to lead workshops in dance, storytelling, and arts management. The gathering highlighted the work of emerging artists of African descent, and also engaged established artists to create space for honest intergenerational dialogue.
Artist Convening continues as D'atè Culture Festival!