The 14th edition of the Ake Arts and Book Festival, themed ‘Native Intelligence’, promises a line-up of book, arts, cultural, and entertainment experiences for its Nigerian and international guests, the organisers of the festival have said.
The festival, which would run from November 19 – 21 at Silkwood Hotel (formerly BON Hotel), Ikeja GRA, Lagos, is organised by the Book Buzz Foundation (BBF), in partnership with Sterling Bank, The Open Society Foundations, the Lagos State government, among others.
In a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, the director of BBF, Lola Shoneyin, revealed that there are 24 events and activities lined up for the three-day event, eight activities for each day, comprising the opening ceremony, book chats, panel sessions, poetry and palm wine evening, and other cultural and entertainment activities.
About the theme, Native Intelligence, Shoneyin stated that Nigerians, and by extension, Africans, have always, for many years, had their own informal, local, or native way of knowing and communicating things passed to them from their ancestors, which is still very relevant today, even in this digital and artificial intelligence (AI) era.
The festival director stated that the festival will serve as an avenue to celebrate the new generation of Nigerian writers in Nigeria and in the diaspora who are doing wonderful things with their craft.
The festival will also feature a panel session by Caine Prize winners, and another session by Granta Magazine where one of its editors will speak on the Nigerian edition of the magazine. There will also be another session for the African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS).
The chief marketing officer of Sterling Bank, Donatus Okpako, said it was an honour for the bank to support the Ake Festival because the bank believes in the work the festival organisers are doing, which aligns with their work.
Okpako said the bank believes in the creativity of young people through education and cultural exchange that leads to meaningful conversations that shape lives and society.
He wished the festival’s guests engaging conversations, adding that he cannot wait to learn from the guests as they discuss the theme of the festival, especially as it relates to artificial intelligence, which is shaping the way people do things.
Speaking further, the festival’s director, Lola Shoneyin, appreciated the Lagos State government’s support for the festival with a book grant for some Lagos residents below 25 years to purchase books at the festival.
She said that governments must recognise the importance of books, culture, and arts in people’s lives.
Shoneyin emphasised that everything that will make the festival worthwhile is in place, adding that the guests will leave the festival feeling better about who and what they are.