The Footprint of David Arts
In many ways, art has been perceived as an expression of our true identity. It is a tool for redefining, regenerating and edifying positive values and traditions, which are the true essence of our society. Some institutions in Nigeria are constantly using art as a positive tool to build society. Today, we spotlight the Footprints of David Arts Foundation established in 2005.
The Footprint of David Arts Foundation (FODAF) is a creative movement focused on community development through art and raising a total child. FODAF aims to promote and preserve African cultural values in children while giving them the wings to their aspirations and convictions through the arms of sublime creativity.
The extent of their creativity is beyond impressive. It ranges from music/dance/drama performances to concerts and festivals, performance arts, community-based arts projects, children theatre, cultural exchange, art management, photography, art journalism as well as research and creative arts.
A Glimpse of Some of The Projects Offered by FODAF.
Footprints of David Art Academy
The Footprints of David Art Academy is a multiple award-winning children/student dance theatre group with vast experience in both local and international performances. The FODAA is the resource centre for the FODAF and serves as the training ground for the mental and physical development of members. Led by the multi-skilled artiste Seun Awobajo, the art academy has received accolades from various institutions and commendation in ‘performance excellence’ from Joachim Gauck, the former German president. FODAA constantly engages the expertise of several collaborators-in-progress to teach new styles of performance art, music and literary arts.
FOD Gang
FOD Gang is the adult wing of FODAA, which are expected to train and impact the younger members of the art academy as young graduates. They equally take up management roles in other FODAA projects and are sent for research and field works in the community.
FODAF Festival
FODAF Festival is an annual community-based, open-air art festival created to aid community development in the Bariga area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The Festival is designed to revive the fading communal living in a city like Bariga, through the creative language of art.
Since its maiden edition in 2005, FODAF has remained a one-week end-of-the-year fiesta for young members and participants during the festive season. The festival event usually features live theatre performances, art exhibition, alternative music, poetry, stand up comedy, film screening, cooking competition, indoor games, dance, drama, ram championship, children Xmas fun fair, praise concert and more.
Seaside Cottage Theatre
The Seaside Cottage Theatre is also a community-based theatre for the development, promotion and preservation of African art and culture. It was pre-commissioned in 2018 by Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature, Professor Wole Soyinka.
Since then, the first-of-its-kind grass-root theatre has become a media sensation, owning to its compelling performances. The Seaside Cottage holds a quarterly live theatre platform that welcomes youngsters from public and private schools around the Bariga community to experience live theatre products, with a focus on literary texts.
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FODAF has enjoyed remarkable success over the years as evident in both local and international invitations to concerts and performances. Their impact in the society has also been recognized by various credible organizations, in addition to several awards received such as the Lagos State Governor Most Creative Excellence award, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Best Children Theatre Company, the Essences Award, Dublin, Trinity House National Award and MUSON AWARD 2020.
Since its inception, the creative enterprise has to its credit impacted over 900 kids directly and has graced over 3800 events worldwide.
Ever attended any FOD arts event? You are welcome to share with us.