1 Edition

Human Rights Are Universal Festival - 1st Edition

Past Festival
October 9 - October 13, 2022
Theme

BEGIN

Launching a new era of human rights awareness through artistic expression in Uganda

Festival Highlights

Explore the key themes and highlights of this festival edition

Background & Overview

The inaugural Human Rights Are Universal Arts Festival, launched by East Africa Visual Artists (EAVA Artists), marked the beginning of what has become a powerful platform for human rights advancement in Uganda. The first edition established the festival's foundation as a space where art and activism unite to address pressing human rights challenges.

The 2022 festival brought together visual artists, performers, filmmakers, and activists from across Uganda and neighboring countries to explore how artistic expression can make complex human rights issues accessible and relatable to all people, regardless of background.

This groundbreaking event set the stage for the festival's ongoing mission to champion universal rights, amplify silenced voices, and empower artists as agents of change.

Festival Activities

The first edition of the festival featured a diverse range of activities designed to engage audiences with human rights issues through art:

  • Art exhibitions showcasing works by local artists exploring themes of equality, dignity, and justice
  • Poetry and musical performances highlighting stories of resilience and resistance
  • Documentary film screenings examining human rights challenges in Uganda
  • Panel discussions bringing together artists, activists, and scholars
  • Community workshops focused on using creativity as a tool for advocacy

These activities created spaces for dialogue, reflection, and inspiration, establishing the festival's reputation for bringing human rights discussions to public spaces.

Festival Timeline

First Festival Announced

April 15, 2022

Announcement

Official announcement of the inaugural Human Rights Are Universal Festival, with an open call for artists to participate.

Artist Selection

June 1, 2022

Selection of participating artists for the inaugural festival, focusing on those whose work addresses human rights themes.

Festival Opening

October 9, 2022

Main Event

Opening ceremony of the first Human Rights Are Universal Festival in Kampala.

Festival Closing

October 13, 2022

Ceremony

Closing ceremony featuring performances and a community commitment to human rights advocacy.

Festival Calendar

October 9, 2022

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Exhibition Tour: Visual Voices

Exhibition
Gallery Space

Guided tour of the main exhibition featuring works addressing human rights themes.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel: Art as Advocacy

Panel
Discussion Space

Artists and activists discuss how creativity can advance human rights awareness.

Festival Impact

The inaugural Human Rights Are Universal Festival laid a strong foundation with significant achievements:

  • Engaged over 3,000 attendees from diverse backgrounds
  • Featured work from 18 visual artists, 12 performers, and 5 filmmakers
  • Facilitated 4 panel discussions on pressing human rights topics
  • Created new partnerships with 8 community organizations
  • Generated media coverage that reached an estimated audience of 50,000

The festival's first edition demonstrated the power of art to communicate human rights messages in ways that resonated deeply with audiences, setting the stage for future growth.

Festival Video

Key moments from the inaugural Human Rights Are Universal Festival

More Videos

Artist Interviews
Artist Interviews

Conversations with participating artists about their work an...

Festival Highlights