Human Rights Are Universal Festival - 2nd Edition

The Human Rights are Universal Arts Festival, an initiative by East Africa Visual Artists (EAVA Artists), continued to build on its mission in 2023 with the 2nd edition. This annual public event harnesses the power of art, activism, and creativity to promote the core values of humanity, equality, and freedom of expression.

The 2nd edition further established the festival's reputation as a vital platform for human rights discourse, bringing together artists, activists, and community members to explore pressing human rights challenges through creative expression.

Through diverse activities including exhibitions, performances, and discussions, the festival created spaces for dialogue and reflection on human rights issues affecting Uganda and the broader East African region.

The 2nd edition featured a diverse range of activities designed to engage participants with human rights issues through artistic expression:

• Art Exhibitions: Showcasing works created through the EAVA Artists Residency, exploring themes related to human rights, equality, and social justice.
• Performances: Featuring poets, hip-hop artists, musicians, dancers, MCs, and DJs from across the country, providing a platform for social justice artists and marginalized communities.
• Film Screenings: Presenting documentaries and narrative films addressing human rights themes and inspiring audience action.
• Market Book Exhibition: Inviting human rights organizations and publishers to showcase books and materials, broadening access to human rights information.
• Panel Discussions: Hosting conversations with activists, community leaders, and artists on topics including accountability, freedom of expression, and the role of art in social justice.

These activities created an inclusive space for participants to engage with human rights issues, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore the intersection of art and activism.

The 2nd edition of the Human Rights Are Universal Festival built on the foundation of the inaugural event with significant achievements:

• Engaged over 5,000 attendees from diverse backgrounds and communities
• Featured work from 25 visual artists, 35 performers, and 8 filmmakers
• Facilitated 5 panel discussions on pressing human rights topics
• Created new partnerships with 12 community organizations and human rights groups
• Generated media coverage that reached an estimated audience of 80,000

The festival's second edition demonstrated continued growth in reach and impact, further establishing its role as a catalyst for human rights dialogue and action in Uganda.