In a bid to harness the transformative power of creative expression, the Liz Initiative, in partnership with PUT A SMILE, recently conducted impactful outreach programs in Port Harcourt. These initiatives focused on educating both incarcerated individuals and teenagers on the profound role of creative arts as a catalyst for social change and personal development.

Through separate events, hundreds of inmates at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre and groups of male and female teenagers were immersed in various art forms, including drawing, painting, coloring, music, and dance.

For the teenagers, one of the highlights was a vibrant dance competition centered on demonstrating dance as a therapeutic and expressive outlet. The top three performers were rewarded with cash prizes and art supplies to further nurture their creative talents. This event, now in its second edition (with the first held in 2021), aimed to unlock the inherent creativity within young adults.

Later in April, the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Port Harcourt became a stage for a vibrant display of cultural expression. Close to 2,000 inmates actively participated in group cultural events, showcasing their rich heritage through traditional attire, captivating dances, and compelling drama performances.

Elizabeth Charles-Dede, the Creative Director of the Liz Initiative, emphasized the organization's commitment to societal change. "As advocates for societal change, we felt it was crucial to engage the inmates' interests to raise their awareness of cultural intelligence, excellence, and diversity through a social experiment," she stated on Saturday.

"The primary aim was to utilize creative art as a tool to foster cultural diversity within the confined environment of the correctional facility. This provided individuals facing challenges and personal struggles, who are hoping for reintegration into society, an opportunity to connect with their creative abilities and not lose sight of them," Charles-Dede elaborated.


She further highlighted the positive outcomes of the initiative. "These objectives and more were achieved, as the event witnessed a significant turnout of inmates, nearly 2,000 strong, proudly displaying their cultures. A key aspect of the event was the distribution of food items and monetary rewards as a gesture of appreciation for their unique and enthusiastic cultural presentations."

Elizabeth Charles-Dede is a UK-based Nigerian creative and vocal artist whose exceptional talents have demonstrably contributed to social impact. Her background includes distinction-level studies in Acting & Presentation at Wale Adenuga Production, and she also served as a backup artist with the same production during the popular "Nnena and Friends" shows in Nigeria.

Charles-Dede's driving inspiration stems from her belief that "art is life, and culture is dynamic," underscoring the vital role of creative expression in personal and societal growth. The Liz Initiative's work in Port Harcourt serves as a powerful example of how the arts can be a vital tool for fostering connection, promoting cultural understanding, and empowering individuals within diverse communities.