AADAF 5.0
AADAF is a Pan-African celebration, training camp and stage for Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists: dancers, actors, painters, photographers, filmmakers and digital creatives. This December it returns to Ghana for a week of learning, exchange and performance.
One Africa · One Deaf · One Stage — Arts Beyond Barriers
Not just a festival: a movement.
The All Africa Deaf Arts Festival (AADAF) is the flagship programme of SEAMS Deaf-Pro Foundation, a Nigerian non-governmental organisation that empowers Deaf youths across Africa. Under the motto Empower. Create. Lead., AADAF tackles one clear problem: Deaf and disabled young people lack sustainable pathways to build creative skills, earn a living and take their place in Africa's creative economy.
"Art belongs to everyone; creativity has no barriers; talent thrives wherever opportunity exists — and every artist, regardless of disability, deserves a place on Africa's stage."— Samuel Femi James, Executive Director, SEAMS Deaf-Pro Foundation
Train
Professionals lead hands-on masterclasses in dance, drama, visual and traditional arts, digital media, photography, production and stagecraft.
Connect
Deaf artists from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Francophone West Africa and beyond live, work and create together. The networks they build continue after the festival.
Showcase
The public grand finale features performances, exhibitions and films, plus a stakeholder dialogue on inclusion, accessibility and policy reform.
Four editions. Three cities. Two nations. One stage.
AADAF began with a first bold step in Lagos and grew into a 100-participant residential camp in Oyo. Each edition has widened the festival's reach, added partners and deepened the training.
AADAF 1.0: The First Bold Step Where it all began
The first edition was held in Lagos, Nigeria's creative capital. In the Foundation's words, this is where it "took its first bold step toward building a continental movement of empowerment" for Deaf creative artists. The edition set the pattern every festival has followed since: training first, then a public stage.
- Brought Deaf dancers, actors and visual artists together on a shared professional platform
- Established the Foundation's Deaf Can Dance performance culture
- Defined the festival identity: Deaf-led, sign-language-first and performance-driven
AADAF 2.0: Beyond Borders The festival becomes Pan-African
The second edition moved to Ghana. The Foundation says it "expanded our vision beyond borders and strengthened pan-African collaboration." Nigerian and Ghanaian Deaf creatives shared stages and rehearsal rooms, building the Ghanaian partnerships that now host AADAF 5.0.
- First cross-border edition, with Nigerian and Ghanaian delegations
- Built relationships with the Ghanaian Deaf arts community
- Added cultural exchange and heritage experiences to the format
AADAF 3.0: Visibility & Recognition In the Federal Capital
The third edition was held in Abuja. According to the Foundation, it "amplified our visibility, strengthened international partnerships, and attracted global recognition." Holding it in the capital put Deaf artistry in front of policymakers, development partners and national media.
- More engagement with institutional and international partners
- Advocacy for disability inclusion in creative-sector policy
- Wider media coverage and a higher public profile for Deaf performers
AADAF 4.0: "Deaf Can. Africa Can." The residential camp edition
The fourth edition went to Oyo, which the Foundation described as "a city rich in heritage, culture and artistic legacy." From 1 to 5 December, 100 Deaf youths and youths with disabilities joined a full-week residential empowerment camp at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, West Africa's largest disability-focused institution. The grand finale took place on 6 December at the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan.
| Track | Focus |
|---|---|
| Traditional & Visual Arts | Painting, crafts, heritage-based practice |
| Digital Arts & New Media | Design, video editing, content creation |
| Professional Dance Techniques | Vibration-based rhythm, choreography, ensemble work |
| Dramatic Expression & Performance | Visual theatre, sign-language storytelling |
| Creative Leadership & Career Development | Self-advocacy, branding, creative entrepreneurship |
| Production & Stagecraft | Stage management, lighting, set and technical production |
Participants came from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and other African countries. The finale included performances, exhibitions, film screenings, cultural showcases and a stakeholder dialogue on inclusion, accessibility and policy reform. Lightwork Media House was among the partners supporting this edition.
| Edition | Year | Host City | Defining Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| AADAF 1.0 | 2022 | Lagos, Nigeria | Start of a continental Deaf-arts movement |
| AADAF 2.0 | 2023 | Ghana | First cross-border edition; Pan-African collaboration |
| AADAF 3.0 | 2024 | Abuja, Nigeria | National visibility, international partnerships, global recognition |
| AADAF 4.0 | 1–6 Dec 2025 | Oyo & Ibadan, Nigeria | 100-youth residential camp, six training tracks, finale at Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre |
| AADAF 5.0 | 20–27 Dec 2026 | Accra, Ghana | Return to Ghana, Francophone creative exchange, new enterprise pillar |
The festival model
Every edition follows the same arc. Participants arrive and get to know each other, train intensively, rehearse and make original work, then present it to the public on a professional stage. The programme is built on six learning pillars.
LEAD
Self-representation, advocacy and leadership for artists shaping their own communities.
TRAIN
Masterclasses in each discipline, aimed at technical excellence and professional-grade work.
CONNECT
Structured cross-border networking, creative matching and membership of the alumni network.
MONETISE
Pricing, contracts, intellectual property, brand collaboration, finding clients and earning online.
PERFORM & EXHIBIT
Public presentation to audiences, media, buyers, casting directors and cultural stakeholders.
RETURN & SHARE
Post-festival programmes that bring the learning and the work back to home communities.
| Discipline | What participants do | Festival output |
|---|---|---|
| 💃 Dance | Choreography led by vibration and visual cues, African contemporary and traditional forms, ensemble technique | Finale dance pieces |
| 🎭 Drama | Visual theatre, mime, sign-language storytelling and poetry, stage presence | Short stage plays and sign poetry |
| 🎨 Traditional & Visual Arts | Painting, adinkra and textile work, beadwork, sculpture, heritage crafts | Group exhibition |
| 💻 Digital Arts | Graphic design, video editing, content creation, social media storytelling | Digital showcase and festival content |
| 📷 Photography & Film | Composition, documentary practice, producing captioned short films | Photo wall and short-film screening |
| 🎛️ Production & Stagecraft | Stage management, lighting cues, set building, visual cueing systems | Finale production crewed by Deaf technicians |
Deaf Futures. African Stage.
This December, AADAF returns to Ghana for its fifth edition. For eight days, Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists from across the continent will gather in Accra to train, rehearse, tour, create and perform. The week builds to the Grand Finale on Saturday, 26 December 2026 at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.
SEAMS Deaf-Pro Foundation presents AADAF 5.0 with Ghanaian host partner Deaf Dancers GH (Breaking Through Silent), in partnership with the Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD), ANIM Creative Hub and the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD). New this year is a Francophone Creative Exchange, which pairs Nigerian fellows with Deaf peers from Francophone West Africa to learn and create together.
🌍 Pan-African
Delegations from Nigeria, Ghana, Francophone West Africa, South Africa and more.
🎓 Deaf Futures Fellowship
Named fellowships support Nigerian Deaf creative leaders from selection right through to return programmes in Lagos.
🤟 Access by Design
Sign-language interpretation, visual itineraries, captioned media and a named access focal person.
🛡️ Safe & Accountable
A code of conduct, anti-harassment safeguards, a confidential reporting channel and artist consent for all images.
Festival outcomes
- A documented creative or professional action plan for every participant
- A stronger portfolio: photos, video reel and artist bio
- New cross-border collaborators and a place in the AADAF alumni network
- A public performance or exhibition credit at a flagship Pan-African festival
Accessibility commitments
- Sign-language interpreters at every plenary, masterclass and public event
- Visual schedules, printed agendas and on-screen text for all announcements
- Light and visual cue systems in rehearsal and on stage
- Participant materials in English and French for the Francophone exchange
AADAF 5.0 Festival Timetable
The full daily programme runs from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 December 2026. Delegates arrive on Sunday 20 December and leave on Monday 28 December. All times are Ghana Mean Time (GMT).
| Date | Day | Theme | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 20 Dec | Day 0 | Arrival | Airport pick-ups, check-in, accreditation, welcome packs |
| Mon 21 Dec | Day 1 | Welcome & Orientation | Orientation, ice-breakers, track placement, Welcome Ceremony (evening) |
| Tue 22 Dec | Day 2 | Train | Masterclasses in each discipline, Deaf leadership keynote, first rehearsals |
| Wed 23 Dec | Day 3 | Heritage & Connect | Tour of Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Accra culture visit, Francophone exchange circle |
| Thu 24 Dec | Day 4 | Create & Monetise | Full-day rehearsals, enterprise lab, Christmas Eve evening |
| Fri 25 Dec | Day 5 | Stage Check | Christmas brunch, stage check-up, exhibition set-up, cue-to-cue rehearsal |
| Sat 26 Dec | Day 6 | ★ MAIN DAY: Grand Finale | Dress rehearsal, Red Carpet 3:00 PM, Show 4:30 PM, awards |
| Sun 27 Dec | Day 7 | Reflect & Celebrate | Stakeholder roundtable, action plans, closing ceremony, All White Party |
| Mon 28 Dec | Day 8 | Departure | Check-out and airport drop-offs |
Day 1: Welcome, Orientation & Welcome Ceremony
"Arrive as strangers, leave as a movement."
| Time | Session | Type | Location | Lead / Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 – 8:30 | Breakfast · Desk open for late-arrival accreditation | |||
| 8:30 – 9:30 | Accreditation & Welcome PacksBadges, festival T-shirts, visual itineraries, safeguarding cards | Logistics | Registration Foyer | Secretariat |
| 9:30 – 10:30 | Festival OrientationOverview of the week, code of conduct, access plan, emergency contacts, photo consent | Plenary | Main Hall | Festival Director & Access Focal Person |
| 10:30 – 11:30 | "One Africa, One Deaf" Ice-breakersTeam games across delegations, name-sign exchange, Deaf culture mixer | Exchange | Open Courtyard | Deaf Dancers GH |
| 11:30 – 11:45 | Refreshment break | |||
| 11:45 – 1:00 | Sign Bridge WorkshopBasic Ghanaian, Nigerian and Francophone signs so delegations can communicate with each other | Masterclass | Main Hall | GNAD Sign-Language Team |
| 1:00 – 2:00 | Lunch | |||
| 2:00 – 3:30 | Discipline Placement & Skills ShowcaseParticipants show their work and are placed in a track: Dance · Drama · Visual Arts · Digital · Photo/Film · Stagecraft | Masterclass | Studios A–D | Track Leads |
| 3:30 – 4:30 | Fellows & Mentors Meet-UpDeaf Futures Fellows paired with mentors and Francophone peers | Exchange | Seminar Room | Fellowship Coordinator |
| 4:30 – 6:00 | Rest and dress for the Welcome Ceremony | |||
| 6:00 – 9:00 | ★ OFFICIAL WELCOME CEREMONYCultural welcome and drumming, address by the SEAMS Executive Director, remarks from GNAD, GFD, ANIM and Deaf Dancers GH, flag parade of delegations, welcome dinner | Ceremony | Banquet Hall | SEAMS Deaf-Pro & Host Partners |
Day 2: Masterclasses & First Rehearsals
Pillars: LEAD · TRAIN
| Time | Session | Type | Location | Lead / Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30 – 7:15 | Morning MovementBody conditioning and stretching (optional for non-dancers) | Wellness | Courtyard | Movement Coach |
| 7:15 – 8:30 | Breakfast | |||
| 8:30 – 9:30 | Keynote: "Deaf Leaders Rise"Self-representation, advocacy and building a Deaf-led creative career | Plenary | Main Hall | Guest Deaf Creative Leader |
| Masterclass Block (parallel tracks) · 9:45 – 12:45 | ||||
| 9:45 – 12:45 | Professional Dance TechniqueRhythm through vibration, counting with visual cues, Afro-contemporary movement | Masterclass | Studio A | Choreography Lead |
| 9:45 – 12:45 | Dramatic Expression & Visual TheatreMime, facial grammar, sign poetry and physical storytelling | Masterclass | Studio B | Drama Lead |
| 9:45 – 12:45 | Traditional & Visual ArtsAdinkra symbolism, painting and mixed media for the festival exhibition | Masterclass | Art Studio | Visual Arts Lead |
| 9:45 – 12:45 | Digital Arts, Photography & FilmFilmmaking on a phone, composition, captioning and editing basics | Masterclass | Media Lab | ANIM Creative Hub |
| 9:45 – 12:45 | Production & StagecraftStage management, light-cue systems, props and set basics | Masterclass | Auditorium Stage | Technical Director |
| 12:45 – 2:00 | Lunch | |||
| 2:00 – 3:30 | Panel: Inclusion in Africa's Creative EconomyAccess, policy and opportunity from Ghanaian and Nigerian perspectives | Plenary | Main Hall | GFD · GNAD · SEAMS |
| 3:45 – 6:00 | Rehearsals: Session 1Developing the finale concept; forming ensembles and scenes | Rehearsal | Studios A–D | Artistic Director |
| 6:30 – 7:30 | Dinner | |||
| 7:30 – 9:00 | Deaf Cinema NightCaptioned short films by Deaf African filmmakers, followed by a discussion | Culture | Main Hall | Film Curator |
Day 3: Heritage Tour & Cross-Border Connection
Pillar: CONNECT · Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Accra
| Time | Session | Type | Location | Lead / Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 – 8:00 | Breakfast | |||
| 8:00 – 8:30 | Tour Briefing & BoardingVisual safety briefing, buddy system, tour group allocation | Logistics | Main Gate | Tour Marshals |
| 9:00 – 11:30 | ★ Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & MausoleumGuided tour with sign-language interpretation: the museum, Ghana's independence story and Pan-African history | Heritage | Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Accra | Park Guides + Interpreters |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Photo & Film Field AssignmentPhotography and digital tracks document the tour for the finale exhibition | Masterclass | Park Grounds | Photo/Film Lead |
| 12:30 – 1:30 | Lunch: local Ghanaian cuisine | |||
| 1:30 – 3:00 | Accra Arts & Culture VisitCreative walk through Accra's arts district: artisans, textiles and street art | Culture | Central Accra | Deaf Dancers GH |
| 3:30 – 5:00 | Francophone Creative Exchange CircleNigerian fellows and Francophone peers share their practice and begin their "Lagos ↔ Francophonie" creative reflections | Exchange | Seminar Room | Fellowship Coordinator |
| 5:00 – 6:30 | Rehearsals: Session 2Building the day's tour experiences into choreography and scenes | Rehearsal | Studios A–D | Track Leads |
| 6:30 – 7:30 | Dinner | |||
| 7:30 – 9:00 | Delegation Culture NightEach country shares a short cultural presentation: food, attire and dance | Exchange | Courtyard | All Delegations |
Day 4: Full-Day Rehearsals & Enterprise Lab
Pillars: TRAIN · MONETISE · Christmas Eve
| Time | Session | Type | Location | Lead / Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30 – 7:15 | Morning Movement | Wellness | Courtyard | Movement Coach |
| 7:15 – 8:15 | Breakfast | |||
| 8:30 – 12:30 | Full-Day Rehearsals: Block ADance and drama pieces fully blocked; transitions set | Rehearsal | Studios A & B | Artistic Director |
| 8:30 – 12:30 | Exhibition Studio TimeVisual artists finish their pieces; photographers edit and print | Masterclass | Art Studio · Media Lab | Visual & Digital Leads |
| 12:30 – 1:30 | Lunch | |||
| Enterprise Lab: "From Talent to Income" · 1:30 – 3:30 | ||||
| 1:30 – 2:30 | Pricing, Contracts & Intellectual PropertyHow to price your work, read an agreement and protect your rights | Enterprise | Main Hall | Creative-Law Expert |
| 2:30 – 3:30 | Branding, Portfolios & Digital IncomeArtist bios, show reels, social media content, brand collaborations and finding clients | Enterprise | Main Hall | ANIM Creative Hub |
| 3:45 – 6:30 | Full-Day Rehearsals: Block BFirst complete run-through of the finale programme | Rehearsal | Auditorium | Artistic Director |
| 4:00 – 5:30 | Portfolio Photo StudioProfessional headshots and profile photos, taken in rotation | Enterprise | Media Lab | Festival Photographers |
| 6:30 – 7:30 | Dinner | |||
| 7:30 – 9:30 | Christmas Eve Community EveningSigned carols, gift exchange and an informal open stage | Culture | Courtyard | Welfare Team |
Day 5: Christmas Day · Stage Check-Up & Technical Rehearsal
Pillar: PERFORM & EXHIBIT (preparation)
| Time | Session | Type | Location | Lead / Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 – 10:00 | Christmas Brunch & FellowshipA relaxed start, with optional morning worship for those who wish to attend | Culture | Dining Hall | Hospitality Team |
| 10:30 – 12:30 | Venue Walk-Through & Stage Check-UpEntrances, marks, sight-lines, vibration floor and light-cue signals | Technical | GCPS Auditorium | Technical Director · Stage Manager |
| 10:30 – 1:00 | Exhibition InstallationHanging artworks, the photo wall and labels; setting up digital screens | Exhibit | GCPS Foyer | Visual Arts & Stagecraft Tracks |
| 1:00 – 2:00 | Christmas lunch | |||
| 2:00 – 4:30 | Cue-to-Cue Technical RehearsalLighting, projection, captions and interpreter positions finalised | Technical | GCPS Auditorium | Production Team |
| 4:30 – 6:00 | Costume Fitting & Make-Up Trial | Logistics | Backstage | Wardrobe Team |
| 6:00 – 6:30 | MCs & Interpreters Script RunHosts and interpreters confirm the finale running order | Logistics | Seminar Room | Programme Manager |
| 6:30 – 7:30 | Christmas dinner | |||
| 7:30 – 8:30 | Performer Wellbeing CircleRest, reflection and managing pre-show nerves; early lights-out | Wellness | Residence Lounge | Welfare Officer |
★ MAIN DAY: AADAF 5.0 Grand Finale
Ghana College of Physicians & Surgeons, Accra · Red Carpet 3:00 PM · Event Start 4:30 PM
| Time | Programme Item | Type | Location | Lead / Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning: Final preparation (participants only) | ||||
| 7:00 – 8:00 | Breakfast | |||
| 8:30 – 11:30 | Full Dress RehearsalThe complete show in costume, with lights, captions and interpreters | Rehearsal | GCPS Auditorium | Artistic Director |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Notes & Final Fixes | Rehearsal | GCPS Auditorium | Track Leads |
| 12:30 – 1:30 | Lunch and rest | |||
| 1:30 – 2:45 | Make-Up, Costume & Warm-Up | Logistics | Backstage | Wardrobe · Movement Coach |
| Public programme · Gates open 2:30 PM | ||||
| 3:00 – 4:15 | ★ RED CARPET & EXHIBITION OPENINGArrival of guests, partners, dignitaries and media, with the photo wall. The AADAF Art & Photography Exhibition opens with the artists present. | Red Carpet | GCPS Forecourt & Foyer | Protocol · Media Team |
| 4:15 – 4:30 | Guests Seated | Logistics | Auditorium | Ushers |
| 4:30 – 4:45 | ★ EVENT START: Opening SpectacleDrumming, signed national anthems and a parade of delegations | Performance | Main Stage | Full Company |
| 4:45 – 5:00 | Welcome AddressExecutive Director, SEAMS Deaf-Pro Foundation, followed by host partner remarks | Address | Main Stage | SEAMS · Deaf Dancers GH |
| 5:00 – 5:30 | Act I: "Breaking Through Silence"Dance showcase: Afro-contemporary, traditional and urban pieces from the Pan-African ensemble | Performance | Main Stage | Dance Track |
| 5:30 – 5:50 | Short-Film PremiereCaptioned festival documentary and short films made by participants | Screening | Main Stage Screen | Photo/Film Track |
| 5:50 – 6:30 | Stakeholder Dialogue: "Arts Beyond Barriers"Inclusion, accessibility and policy reform in Africa's creative sector | Dialogue | Main Stage | Moderator + Panel (GNAD, GFD, Deaf artists) |
| 6:30 – 7:00 | Act II: "Stories in Sign"Visual theatre, mime and sign poetry | Performance | Main Stage | Drama Track |
| 7:00 – 7:15 | Deaf Futures Fellows' PresentationThe fellows' "Lagos ↔ Francophonie" creative reflections | Exchange | Main Stage | Fellows |
| 7:15 – 7:40 | AADAF Recognition AwardsOutstanding Performer · Emerging Visual Artist · Best Digital Creative · Deaf Leadership Award · Partner Honours | Awards | Main Stage | Awards Committee |
| 7:40 – 8:00 | ★ Grand Finale: "One Africa, One Deaf, One Stage"Closing piece by the full company, then curtain call | Performance | Main Stage | Full Company |
| 8:00 – 9:00 | Networking ReceptionMeet the artists, view and buy exhibition work, media interviews | Networking | GCPS Foyer | Partnerships Team |
Day 7: Reflect, Plan & Celebrate · All White Party
Pillars: CONNECT · RETURN & SHARE
| Time | Session | Type | Location | Lead / Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 – 9:00 | Late breakfast | |||
| 9:30 – 10:30 | Partners & Stakeholders RoundtableReview of impact, feedback from sponsors and planning towards AADAF 6.0 | Plenary | Seminar Room | SEAMS Board & Partners |
| 9:30 – 11:30 | Creative Action Plan ClinicsWith a mentor, each participant finalises a 3-, 6- and 12-month action plan | Enterprise | Studios A–D | Mentors |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Alumni Network OnboardingJoining the AADAF alumni community; briefing on return programmes such as the Lagos Deaf Futures Salon | Connect | Main Hall | Fellowship Coordinator |
| 12:30 – 1:30 | Lunch | |||
| 1:30 – 2:30 | Feedback & EvaluationVisual and signed feedback, reflections and testimonials (with consent) | Logistics | Main Hall | M&E Officer |
| 2:30 – 3:30 | Closing Ceremony & CertificatesCertificates of participation, group photograph and vote of thanks | Ceremony | Main Hall | SEAMS Deaf-Pro Foundation |
| 3:30 – 6:30 | Free time · Packing · Change into all white | |||
| 7:00 – 11:00 | ★ ALL WHITE PARTYCelebration night: bass-heavy DJ set on a vibration floor, visual lighting, dance battles and farewell toasts. Dress code: all white. | Party | Venue to be announced | Events Team |
Please note: this timetable is indicative. Rooms, facilitators and exact timings may change, and final details will be in the participant handbook.
Fees & packages
GH₵20
Grand Finale admission, 26 December
GH₵50
VIP seating and red-carpet access
| Item | Ghana (GH₵) | Nigeria (₦) | Francophone (CFA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Festival T-Shirt | 280 | 20,000 | 15,000 |
| Entry Fee | 20 | 4,000 | 1,000 |
| All White Party | 500 | 70,000 | 26,000 |
| Trip to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park | 150 | 19,000 | 7,600 |
| Accommodation / Bedding | 360 | 40,000 | 17,520 |
If you need help with accommodation or bedding, please contact the secretariat on WhatsApp (details below).
Stand with Deaf artists on Africa's stage
| Role | Organisation |
|---|---|
| Presenter | SEAMS Deaf-Pro Foundation · Empower. Create. Lead. |
| Host Country Partner | Deaf Dancers GH · Breaking Through Silent |
| Partner | Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD) |
| Partner | ANIM Creative Hub |
| Partner | Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) · Inspiration · Inclusion · Impact |
Sponsor
Fund Deaf Futures Fellowships, accommodation, travel for international delegates, trainers or equipment.
Partner
Provide a venue, technical production, media coverage or cultural programming.
Attend
Join us at the Grand Finale on 26 December. The red carpet opens at 3:00 PM.
For sponsorship or any information, please send a WhatsApp message
Ghana: +233 50 474 0103 · Nigeria: +234 806 523 4755
