The African Brain Arts Festival celebrates and explores the intersection of creativity and brain health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a shift in society's approach to mental health, and it is during this time that people have become aware of the importance of the arts in combating mental health challenges.
The African Brain Arts Festival (ABA FEST), taking place in Soweto this weekend, celebrates and explores the intersection of creativity and brain health.
Focus on mental health
“Across the two days, there will be a range of activities including workshops focusing on mental health and wellness, panel discussions with industry experts and a children's wellness programme incorporating art-making and interactive theatre experiences,” festival director Sibusiso Philani said. The Citizen.
ABA Festival has partnered with Bheki Mlangeni Hospital, Credo Mutwa Village, 16th June Memorial and Soweto Retirement Home to continuously raise mental health awareness throughout the festival.
This is the first time the festival will be held under the name ABA Fest.
“This is an extension of last year's Ezempilo Mental Health Arts Festival, which was held at the University of Witwatersrand,” asserted curator and creative director Otundiwe Sekibane.
“We're trying to build on that foundation and make something even more impactful.”
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stroll
The festival kicks off with a Mental Health Walk on Saturday.
“The mental health walk is about 4.8km long. It will start from Bheki Mlangeni Hospital, go through Credo Mutwa Village, 16 June Memorial, Soweto Retirement Home and finally return to Soweto Theatre,” Fihlani said.
Fihlani said the festival is aimed at individuals interested in African spirituality, mental health and the arts.
“We're targeting young people who are interested in these topics and their parents who are looking for tools to support their children's mental health,” he said.
“It also appeals to health care workers and artists focused on arts for health. Our goal is to provide a platform to learn, discuss and engage on these important issues.”
Fila is an award-winning playwright and a Tecno Atlantic Senior Fellow on Health Equity.
Sekibane, who is also a child advocate, playwright and academic, said various presentations will be given at each stop along the walk.
“There will be presentations on topics such as language and mental health, youth addiction, dementia and ADHD. We also have a vibrant children's programme which will include activities such as art-making, drumming and meditation,” Sekibane said.
ABA Fest has launched the BackaBuddy campaign to raise funds for people who can't afford tickets to the festival.
There will also be musical performances such as iPhupho L'ka Biko.
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