In a pioneering move to blend creativity with healthcare, Lagos State has officially launched its first-ever Arts and Health Festival, aimed at demonstrating how art can enhance healing, wellness, and public health. The festival, hosted at the Soto Art Gallery in Ikoyi, kicked off on Sunday evening with a welcome cocktail that brought together health experts, artists, and dignitaries from across the state.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, highlighted the therapeutic power of art in promoting both physical and mental wellbeing. He recounted personal experiences from his medical residency in the United Kingdom and interventions during outbreaks such as Ebola in West Africa, where art therapy played a critical role in easing trauma and facilitating lifesaving medical efforts. Prof. Abayomi also credited the state-backed “Art for Life” initiative for helping patients cope during COVID-19 isolation periods through music, murals, and creative activities.
The Commissioner emphasized that Lagos is now taking a multidimensional approach to healthcare by integrating art into hospital design, patient care, and public health communication. Projects like the Massey Children’s Hospital are being developed with visually inspiring architecture, while health campaigns employ graphics and animation to encourage preventive practices. “Walking into a bright, art-infused facility can start the healing process even before treatment begins,” he noted.
Festival Director, Mrs. Iniabasi Leye, described the event as a long-awaited platform for Lagosians to explore the intersection of creativity and health. She outlined that the week-long festival, running from August 24th to 30th, will include art exhibitions, therapy sessions addressing drug abuse, dialogues on men’s and women’s health, creative ageing discussions, a blood donation drive, research presentations, and a children’s program focused on disability awareness. Both virtual and physical events across the city are planned to maximize participation.
Ms. Aduke Gomez, Advisory Board Chair, praised Lagos for hosting the inaugural festival, citing the city’s energy and vibrancy as ideal for pioneering arts-in-health initiatives. She stressed that incorporating creative activities like music, dance, journaling, and gardening into healthcare can reduce stress, improve dementia care, and enhance the quality of life for people living with chronic conditions.
Organizers of the Lagos Arts and Health Festival, in partnership with the Lagos State Government and Global South Arts and Health, aim to showcase how creative expression can be harnessed as a tool for wellness, rehabilitation, and community development. With its innovative programming, the festival is positioned to establish Lagos as a leading hub for integrating art into healthcare across Africa.
For more updates on this and other developments in arts, health, tourism, and cultural initiatives, visit 📩 info@stonereportersnews.com or 🌍 stonereportersnews.com. Stay connected with Stone Reporters on 🔗 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNews for timely, trusted updates.
Add comment
Comments