About

Established in 1990

The Afrikadey! Arts & Culture Society was formed in 1990 by artistic director Tunde Dawodu. Throughout the years, the society has explored ways to share the rich creative works of African cultures – from the continent and throughout the Diaspora – with Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life.

For 26 years AACS presented a week-long arts festival that appealed to audiences from all cultural, economic, and social backgrounds. The festival created a forum whereby Calgarians come together to celebrate the creative arts produced by people of African descent. AACS also presents year-round creative arts programs such as visual arts exhibitions, Films, dance, and drum workshops. Afrikadey! has several other events, including concerts, songwriting and youth poetry contests, literary symposiums, theatre, and children’s programming. Afrikadey! Arts and Culture Society is the main organization in Calgary that represents the interest of the African community in the city. AACS is recognized locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally for its presentation of world-class acts in the city. 

We look forward to your stay.

Motola Dawodu

Artistic Director

Mission

The mission of the Afrikadey! Arts & Culture Society(AACS) is to showcase and share the artistic accomplishments of African descendants with other Canadians by creating a forum where African-related arts can thrive and prosper. We intend to integrate African arts into the Canadian cultural mosaic. Our organizational objectives include promoting cross-cultural exchange and understanding, facilitating mutually beneficial cohabitation and enhancing the vibrancy of our community

Vision

Afrikadey! is a registered not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Alberta Societies Act. Besides our commitment to bridging cultural gaps, our vision is to be an organization that is recognized as a destination for rich creative African artworks. We strive to develop and nurture artistic talents. We want to lead the way in integrating African fine arts into the Canadian cultural mosaic

Values

  • Showcase the artistic excellence of professional artists from Canada and abroad
  • Integrate African arts into the Canadian cultural mosaic
  • Promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding among Africans and non-Africans in Canada.