Human Rights Are Universal Festival - 1st Edition
BEGIN
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 Moments
Relive the powerful moments and artistic expressions that made this festival edition unforgettable

Opening ceremony of the inaugural Human Rights Are Universal Festival

Main exhibition gallery featuring works by Ugandan artists

Panel discussion on art as a tool for human rights advocacy

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
AnnouncementOfficial 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 EventOpening ceremony of the first Human Rights Are Universal Festival in Kampala.
Festival Closing
October 13, 2022
CeremonyClosing ceremony featuring performances and a community commitment to human rights advocacy.
Festival Calendar
October 9, 2022
Opening Ceremony: Begin
CeremonyOfficial opening of the first Human Rights Are Universal Festival with speeches from organizers and community leaders.
Exhibition Tour: Visual Voices
ExhibitionGuided tour of the main exhibition featuring works addressing human rights themes.
Panel: Art as Advocacy
PanelArtists and activists discuss how creativity can advance human rights awareness.
Performance: Voices of Change
PerformancePoetry, music, and dance performances highlighting human rights themes.
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