WHY IHRAM IS PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH THE USE OF ART – WOLE ADEDOYIN
Wole Adedoyin, the African Director of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM), recently spoke with Human Rights Art Review, shedding light on the significant role of art in advancing human rights across the continent. In this insightful interview, he discusses the activities of the Movement in Africa and highlights its achievements in using art as a tool to foster awareness and advocacy for human rights.
INTERVIEWER: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Adedoyin. Let me start by thanking Thomas Block, the Founder and Director of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM), for sponsoring all the activities of the Movement in Africa. Now, could you tell us why you are so passionate about promoting human rights through the use of art?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: Thank you for having me. Yes, I would also like to extend my gratitude to Thomas Block for his unwavering support. I believe art is a universal language that transcends barriers—whether linguistic, cultural, or geographical. Through art, we can communicate complex human rights issues in ways that resonate with people on a deeper, emotional level. My passion stems from seeing how art can inspire change and give a voice to the voiceless, especially in a continent like Africa where human rights violations are still prevalent.
Interviewer: You have organized several competitions under IHRAM in Africa. Why do you think these competitions are effective tools for promoting human rights?
Wole Adedoyin: These competitions, like the African Human Rights Art Competition and the African Human Rights Essay Competition, encourage individuals to engage with human rights issues creatively. When writers, artists, and performers express their understanding of human rights through art, they don’t just raise awareness—they make the issues personal. This form of engagement empowers communities and fosters empathy, which is crucial for driving long-term societal change.
Interviewer: Could you explain why human rights is such an important theme for artists and writers to explore?
Wole Adedoyin: Human rights are fundamental to our existence. They define the basic freedoms and protections that every person is entitled to, regardless of nationality, race, or gender. Artists and writers have a responsibility to reflect the realities of the world we live in, and unfortunately, human rights abuses are still a significant issue. By exploring this theme, artists can challenge the status quo, spark dialogue, and push for the protection of these rights through their creative work.
Interviewer: How do you ensure that the voices of African writers and artists are heard through the anthologies you've edited?
Wole Adedoyin: IHRAM has made it a priority to give African writers and artists a platform to share their stories and perspectives. We’ve published six anthologies featuring over 300 African voices, and these works are shared globally. By doing this, we amplify African narratives on human rights, ensuring that the world can hear from those who are often marginalized. Collaborating with other editors and writers ensures that these voices are not only heard but also curated in a way that does justice to their experiences.
Interviewer: Among the anthologies you’ve edited, which one stands out to you the most and why?
Wole Adedoyin: It's hard to choose because each anthology represents a unique aspect of human rights struggles. However, "END SARS Rhythms: A Collection of Poems on Police Brutality, Assaults, and Battery" stands out for me because of the immediacy and urgency of the issue it addresses. The #EndSARS movement in Nigeria was a powerful demonstration of how art and activism can come together to confront state violence and demand accountability.
Interviewer: How do you think art can specifically address issues like police brutality or gender-based violence?
Wole Adedoyin: Art has a unique way of making abstract issues feel personal. When artists depict police brutality or gender-based violence, they force us to confront the human suffering behind the statistics. A painting, poem, or story can capture the emotions of fear, pain, and resilience in ways that reports or news stories sometimes can’t. This emotional connection is what often motivates people to take action, whether by advocating for policy change or supporting victims.
Interviewer: How did the anthology "Get Consent: Poetry and Essay Anthology on Rape and Sexual Violence Against Women" contribute to the global conversation on gender-based violence?
Wole Adedoyin: "Get Consent" provided a platform for African writers to share their experiences and reflections on a deeply personal and painful issue. The anthology not only raised awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence but also emphasized the importance of consent as a fundamental human right. It contributed to the global conversation by highlighting the specific challenges African women and girls face, while also aligning with the broader #MeToo movement.
Interviewer: What has been the response to your efforts to promote human rights through art in Africa?
Wole Adedoyin: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many African writers and artists have told us how these initiatives have empowered them to speak out on issues they might otherwise feel powerless to address. We've seen submissions grow with each competition, and more importantly, we've witnessed how this platform is helping to foster a new generation of socially-conscious artists and writers who are committed to defending human rights.
Interviewer: How does IHRAM ensure the sustainability of these competitions and anthologies?
Wole Adedoyin: Sustainability is always a challenge, but the key is building a community of supporters who share our vision. Thanks to the support of Thomas Block, we’ve been able to maintain funding for our activities. We’re also actively seeking collaborations with African institutions, NGOs, and government bodies to ensure that these projects continue to grow and have a long-lasting impact.
Interviewer: Can you speak about how digital platforms have played a role in reaching more participants?
Wole Adedoyin: Digital platforms have been a game-changer for us. They allow us to reach a wider audience, especially young people who are increasingly engaging with social issues through digital means. Social media, in particular, has been instrumental in promoting our competitions, sharing the anthologies, and connecting participants from across Africa.
Interviewer: What are some challenges you’ve faced in promoting human rights through art?
Wole Adedoyin: One major challenge is the lack of funding and infrastructure to support the arts in many African countries. Additionally, censorship and political repression in certain regions make it difficult for artists to freely express themselves on sensitive issues like government corruption or human rights abuses. Despite these challenges, we continue to push forward because we believe in the transformative power of art.
INTERVIEWER: How do you overcome these obstacles?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: We overcome these challenges by building resilient networks and communities of artists who support one another. We also rely heavily on international partnerships to provide the resources we need. Most importantly, we empower our participants to be innovative in finding ways to express their creativity, even in restrictive environments.
INTERVIEWER: How do you select the themes for each competition and anthology?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: The themes are usually informed by current events and pressing human rights issues. For example, the "Thorns, Tears, and Treachery" anthology was inspired by the ongoing Sudanese Civil War, while "Her Rights, Our Stories" focused on the plight of women and girls in Africa. We believe it’s important to remain responsive to the most urgent human rights crises as we plan each project.
INTERVIEWER: What impact do you hope these anthologies will have on future generations of African writers and artists?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: I hope these anthologies inspire future generations to use their art as a tool for social justice. I want young African writers and artists to know that their voices matter, and that through their creative work, they can influence change in their societies. The goal is to build a legacy where art continues to be a powerful means of advocating for human rights.
INTERVIEWER: What are your plans for IHRAM’s future initiatives in Africa?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: We plan to expand our reach by introducing more competitions in different African languages to encourage participation from diverse communities. We’re also looking to collaborate with educational institutions to integrate human rights art into their curricula. Additionally, we hope to organize international exhibitions to showcase the incredible work coming out of Africa.
INTERVIEWER: In your opinion, how can the international community better support human rights art movements in Africa?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: The international community can support us by providing funding, resources, and platforms for African artists to showcase their work globally. It’s also crucial to advocate for the protection of freedom of expression in regions where artists are at risk of persecution. Supporting organizations like IHRAM that are already doing the groundwork is a great way to amplify African voices in the global conversation on human rights.
INTERVIEWER: Finally, what message do you have for aspiring African artists and writers who want to use their talents to promote human rights?
WOLE ADEDOYIN: My message is simple: don’t be afraid to use your art to speak out. Art has the power to challenge, to heal, and to inspire change. Whether through writing, painting, or performing, you have the ability to make a difference. Be bold, be creative, and never underestimate the impact your voice can have in advocating for a more just and humane world.
