This year's theme, "Celebrate Diversity and Unity," highlights the festival's commitment to preserving African traditions while promoting empowerment and growth. During a recent press conference, Adetola Bakinson, CEO of Culturati Africa, characterized the festival as a movement dedicated to enhancing cultural diversity and fostering creative and economic development throughout the continent.
The festival will also introduce the Culturati Community Library, an initiative aimed at promoting literacy and cultural education. Furthermore, nearly 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will present their products at a specialized trade fair in collaboration with NaijaBrandChick, offering participants increased visibility and access to new markets.
Emphasizing its focus on youth empowerment, Bakinson announced that the Culturati Academy has successfully trained over 10,000 young individuals in digital marketing, video production, and content creation, with plans to expand this initiative further this year.
Freedom Park, the chosen venue for the festival, will undergo renovations to enhance its status as a cultural landmark. Once a colonial-era prison, the park has transformed into a vibrant center for arts and culture, symbolizing freedom and resilience. The planned upgrades aim to attract more tourists, solidifying its reputation as one of Lagos' leading cultural destinations.
"This festival transcends being just an event; it represents a movement that stimulates Lagos' economy through tourism, celebrates our African identity, and incorporates cultural diversity into the state's development strategy," Bakinson stated.
Culturati 2024 is set to enhance African culture on the world stage, attracting prominent dignitaries and international guests, while fostering innovation and empowerment within the cultural and creative sectors.