As preparations gather momentum for the Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA) 2026, the festival has taken another significant step towards delivering its most ambitious edition yet by successfully completing a comprehensive strategic, operational and artistic capacity-building workshop.
Held ahead of this year's festival, themed "NKOSO" (Progress), the intensive professional development programme was designed to equip the BAFA leadership team with the knowledge, systems and practical tools needed to deliver an internationally recognised cultural festival.
The workshop was facilitated by Mr Kenneth Uphopho, the acclaimed Festival Director of the Lagos Fringe Theatre Festival, whose extensive experience in festival management and theatre production has made him one of Africa's leading voices in the creative and cultural sector.
Building a Stronger Festival
With BAFA 2026 taking place from 3–8 August 2026, alongside the inaugural Yorkshire Film Festival on 4 August, the training focused on strengthening every aspect of festival planning and delivery.
Participants explored international best practices in festival administration, artistic programming, governance, organisational leadership, business development, sponsorship, risk management, audience engagement and long-term sustainability. Practical sessions also covered SWOT analysis, organisational reviews, workflow optimisation and strategic planning to ensure every department is fully prepared for the festival.
Dr Olushola A. Kolawole, Convener and Festival Director of BAFA, described the workshop as a transformational experience for the organisation.
"This was far more than a training exercise—it was a professional calibration for the entire BAFA team. Working with Kenneth Uphopho has given us access to world-class expertise and proven systems that will help us deliver an event defined by excellence, integrity and innovation."
Raising the Standard
A major focus of the workshop was creating stronger organisational structures, clearer leadership responsibilities and improved collaboration across all departments.
Sessions examined governance frameworks, operational workflows, artistic curation, venue management, compliance, crowd safety, partnership development, sponsorship strategy and cultural diplomacy. Team members were also encouraged to view themselves not only as organisers but as ambassadors of African arts and culture.
Performance standards and key operational objectives were established for every department, reinforcing BAFA's commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for artists, audiences, partners and volunteers alike.
Bringing Together BAFA's Leadership
The workshop brought together BAFA's senior leadership and key stakeholders, including:
- Dr Olushola A. Kolawole – Convener & Festival Director
- Chris Iheuwa – Festival Director, Yorkshire Film Festival and BAFA Theatre & Film Director
- Jumoke Muritala – Arts Exhibition Lead & Festival Manager
- Tope Dada – Director of Music
- Daniel Okezue – Media Coordinator & Communications Lead
- Tobi Olorunmakomi – Operations Manager & Logistics Controller
- Carl Selorm Dovi – Creative Producer & Programmer
- Osemeike Gloria Eyieyien – Project Manager
- Jonathan Abedi – Mobilisation Officer
- Queen Esther Osakwe – Children's Coordinator
- Praise Ajewole – Digital & Creative Officer
- Korede Badmus – Project Administrator
- Isabella Judith – Welfare Coordinator
- Oluwadamilola Tomiwa – External Communications Lead
- Immanuel Obani – Projects & Business Support Officer
- Jorokee Kamuvete – Community & Diaspora Officer (Namibian Community Liaison)
Community representatives and additional stakeholders also participated in the programme.
Chris Iheuwa, Festival Director of the Yorkshire Film Festival, believes the workshop has positioned BAFA to deliver its strongest festival to date.
"The knowledge and vision shared during this workshop will cascade throughout every level of our organisation—from our leadership team to volunteers and participating artists. We are now better equipped than ever to present a festival that celebrates the richness of African and diaspora creativity while setting new standards for excellence."
Looking Ahead to BAFA 2026
With this important milestone completed, BAFA 2026 enters its final phase of preparation with renewed confidence and a strengthened organisational foundation.
More than a celebration of arts and culture, this year's festival aims to demonstrate how professional development, collaboration and visionary leadership can elevate community festivals into internationally respected cultural platforms.
As Bradford prepares to welcome artists, filmmakers, performers and audiences from across the UK and beyond, BAFA 2026 promises a week of creativity, connection and cultural excellence under the inspiring theme NKOSO – Progress.
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