Asani and Aduke Foundation Gears Up For 2nd National Adire Festival
National Adire festival was created to promote the sustainability of Yoruba and African cultural heritage, with a particular focus on Adire, the traditional dyed fabric that holds special significance for the Yoruba people
The countdown is on for the highly anticipated 2nd National Adire Festival, scheduled to take place in November in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.
This annual festival, now in its second year, is an initiative spearheaded by the Asani and Aduke Foundation in partnership with ATJ Textiles.
Dr. Lizzy Adeboyejo, the driving force behind the festival and Managing Director/Creative Director of ATJ Textiles, is a visionary leader with a deep passion for textile and fashion design.
She explains that the festival was created to promote the sustainability of Yoruba and African cultural heritage, with a particular focus on Adire, the traditional dyed fabric that holds special significance for the Yoruba people, particularly in Ogun State.
“Our mission with the National Adire Festival is to celebrate, preserve, and promote Adire as an essential part of Nigeria’s cultural identity and creative expression,” Dr. Adeboyejo stated.
She emphasized the foundation’s commitment to creating an empowering environment for Adire production and establishing a hub for value addition that supports economic growth for youths and women.
The organizers’ vision is clear: “To position Adire as a cultural icon by ensuring it gains global recognition and appreciation as a unique Nigerian art form that reflects the nation’s heritage, creativity, and resilience.” This initiative aims to combat the prevalence of imitations and low-quality imprints.
The Adire Festival, scheduled to be held on 14th, 15th & 16th November 2024 promises to be an extraordinary event, with many industry leaders, politicians, and entertainment icons expressing their intention to attend.
When asked about what attendees can expect at this grand celebration, Adeboyejo outlined a diverse lineup that includes workshops, masterclasses, Adire-inspired fashion shows, cultural performances, interactive art installations, and global networking opportunities.
Reflecting on the inaugural festival held last year, which was successfully executed with just one month of preparation, Dr. Adeboyejo recalled the feedback from visitors.
“The first edition was a two-day event filled with various activities, and by the second day, participants were already asking for an extension. This enthusiasm inspired us to expand this year’s festival to three days of exciting activities that will truly celebrate Nigerian culture, creativity, and craftsmanship,” she said.
The 2nd National Adire Festival is poised to be a vibrant showcase of Nigeria’s rich heritage and artistic innovation.
Dr. Adeboyejo made significant contributions to the industry through her creative works and her commitment to empowering women and youths. ...Continue Reading