Conference on ‘Arts in Medicine’ begins tomorrow

All is set for the National Arts in Health Conference. Billed to hold at the Sickle Cell Foundation headquarters, Idi-Araba, Lagos, it is themed, ‘The Arts, Health and You, Arts In Medicine’.

The conference, scheduled to begin tomorrow, May 24, 2021, will end on May 30, 2021. It is expected to host about 500 virtual and physical participants. It will also spotlight arts in health as well as community art programmes in Nigeria.

Founded by Kunle Adewale in 2016, through the support of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Mission Nigeria. The body, over the years, has partnered government agencies, diplomatic missions, local and international non-governmental organisations (NGO), private and public sectors to inspire healing, happiness and hope in patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and the community at large.

Speaking in Lagos to unveil the programme, Director, National Arts in Health Conference 2021, Adewale said: “We are hosting the inaugural National Arts in Health Conference to strengthen institutional ties and bridge the gap between the arts and health in Nigeria.”

“This conference is in partnership with health, art and faith-based organisations such as, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, Center for Contemporary Art Lagos, U.S. Mission Nigeria, RCCG Freedom Court, DiBadili Institute, Sip and Paint Ng. Kairos Hub, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, African Artists’ Foundation, Gabi Williams Alzheimer’s Foundation, Asido Foundation, Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN), Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria and others.

“We intended to hold the event once in two years. This year’s event will offer all participants a hybrid experience, as Nigerians will be participating in both online and on-site activities.”

Speaking on the speakers, Adewale said, “The speakers are diverse in experience and expertise in both health and the arts, with a key note address to be delivered by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, opening remarks by the United States Consul General- Consul General Claire Pierangelo, a good will message from the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.”