Uniting Christian Creatives: The Inaugural CLEAN Festival Comes to Accra This December

This December, Accra will host the inaugural CLEAN Festival, a groundbreaking event celebrating the intersection of Christian faith, African culture, and the arts. Scheduled from December 20th to 28th, the festival aims to bring together Christian creatives from across West Africa, the diaspora, and beyond. Through various artistic expressions, attendees will explore their faith while fostering a deeper connection to their heritage.

The vision for the CLEAN Festival is encapsulated in the phrase “Christ’s Creatives Chilling.” It offers a space for creatives to meet, network, and fellowship in a relaxed atmosphere. The initiative also addresses pressing cultural and spiritual trends, particularly among younger generations of African heritage, who are increasingly reconnecting with their traditional roots. While this renewed interest in heritage is enriching, it has sometimes led to religious pluralism or syncretism—a blending of indigenous practices with Christianity. Additionally, there is a misconception that the arts are incompatible with Christianity or African identity, with some even labeling Christianity as “the White Man’s religion.” CLEAN seeks to challenge these narratives by creating a space where attendees can explore the synergy between African culture and Christian faith. The festival also highlights the rich history of Christianity in Africa, demonstrating its deep-rooted presence on the continent.

The festival’s mission includes building a community of Christian creatives, engaging in meaningful conversations about art and Christianity, exploring the relationship between Christianity and African traditions, and showcasing diverse art forms such as fashion, literature, and film. These objectives are woven into the festival’s lineup of key events.

The festival kicks off on December 20th with “Christ and Canvases” at Ten25, a hands-on artistic expression day where participants can enjoy food and painting with a stunning view of the skies. On December 27th, “The Brunch” at Nouveau Accra offers an opportunity to eat, network, and connect with creatives and others interested in art and Christianity. The festival culminates on December 28th with the “Expo” at Jambo, an exhibition and networking event showcasing diverse art forms, including fashion, literature, and film. The Expo will also feature panel discussions and interactive opportunities for attendees to engage with the themes of the festival.

CLEAN will delve into key themes such as Christianity’s presence in public spaces versus its representation in visual arts, addressing why Christian influence is prominent in West African society but less visible in the visual arts. The festival will also foster discussions on integrating African culture and Christian faith without compromising core Christian principles. Additionally, it will explore the historical relationship between Christianity and creativity, drawing inspiration from Western contexts and encouraging a similar narrative for African artists.

CLEAN invites artists, creatives, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of faith and culture to join this unique movement. For more information and updates, visit the official website.

For inquiries, contact Kweku Bimpong at [email protected] or 0551429835. Stay connected with CLEAN on social media: Instagram, X (@projectcleangh), Facebook (@CleanGH), and LinkedIn.