To lead next chapter of Lagos’ growing arts-and-health movement

Lagos Arts & Health Festival (LAHF) has announced an award-winning medical doctor and multidisciplinary artist, Dr Adefemi Gbadamosi, also known as Fola David, as Director of the 2026 Lagos Arts & Health Festival.

The appointment brings together two defining dimensions of Fola David’s practice — medicine and art — in a leadership role that reflects the festival’s commitment to exploring how creativity can influence health, wellbeing, community and social change.

The 2026 Lagos Arts & Health Festival is scheduled to take place across Lagos from August 27–30, 2026, bringing together artists, healthcare professionals, researchers, cultural practitioners, policymakers, creatives and communities to explore the relationship between art, health and everyday life.

The festival forms part of the broader Global South Arts & Health movement, with Dr Kunle Adewale serving as Chair and Global Lead, advancing interdisciplinary practice, research, community engagement, cultural exchange, and creative approaches to health and wellbeing across the Global South.

Fola David’s appointment represents a natural convergence of his professional and creative journey.

A medical doctor and multidisciplinary visual artist, he has built a distinctive practice at the intersection of medicine, art, human identity and social storytelling. His work frequently explores health and the human body, particularly through the experiences of people living with skin conditions and other often-overlooked realities.

His artistic practice has gained international recognition, including his Guinness World Records achievement for creating the largest drawing by an individual, Unity in Diversity, a monumental celebration of Nigeria’s cultural diversity.

Beyond his individual artistic practice, Fola David has consistently used creativity as a platform for dialogue, education, community engagement and social impact.

As Festival Director, he will provide creative and strategic leadership for LAHF 2026, working with other festival leaders and its partners, Studio Yadi, Ayo Ekunz Visuals and Uwana Energy, to deepen the connection between creative expression and public wellbeing while positioning Lagos as an important centre for arts-and-health innovation.

However, Fola David’s appointment comes at a significant moment for the movement, as arts-and-health initiatives continue to expand across the Global South through festivals, networks, fellowships, research and community-based programmes.