Group seeks creative catalyst fund to grow creative industry

UNDP Resident Representative to Nigeria, Mohamed Yahya (middle) with representatives of the creative industry at an event

The group, under the auspices of Beeta Arts Festival, has urged the government to prioritise the creative sector and create a Creative Catalyst Fund (CCF) that offers funding opportunities for Nigeria’s creative industries.

Bikiya Graham-Douglas, the festival convener, who made this call in Abuja during the 2024 Beeta Arts Festival, themed “We Are Here,” insisted that structured support and funding are essential for the growth of the industry.

“I urged the government to recognize the sector’s economic potential, because “Festivals like this are breeding grounds for creativity and structured support and funding is essential for growth.”

Spotlighting the immense potential of African narratives in driving the social and economic transformation of the continent, Graham-Douglas noted that the festival reflects the body’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Graham-Douglas disclosed that the performances at the festival also reflected the festival’s dedication to providing a platform for emerging voices, adding that the festival took a powerful turn towards advocacy with a session on preventing online gender-based violence through Artificial intelligence (AI) and storytelling.

“The Beeta Arts Festival 2024 reaffirmed its role as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and cultural advocacy, cementing its legacy as a platform that celebrates African talent and drives meaningful change.

“We are committed to nurturing talents and giving new voices a platform at the Beeta Arts Festival. This year alone, we have two new female directors directing plays and male directors doing great things.”

Also speaking, Public Diplomacy Counsellor of the United States Embassy, Lee McManis, expressed his support for the festival’s work in promoting creativity across Africa.

He said: “The Beeta Arts Festival has been excellent. We witnessed works from all across Africa, and the festival continues to grow each year. We are excited to see what next year holds, it will be bigger.”