Beatrice Waruinge is a humanitarian and human rights proponent committed to Pan-African ideals and refugee welfare. With a background in community development and international relations, she previously supported refugee case management and human rights advocacy at Amnesty International Kenya. As Operations Coordinator of the “Under Our Skin International Film Festival on Human Rights,” she uses film to drive dialogue on social justice. Currently serving as Program Officer at Selam through Connect for Culture Africa, she champions sustainable public funding for Africa’s Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). Ms.Waruinge believes the CCIs are key to driving social transformation, economic inclusion, and community resilience across the continent.
Selam is an international organisation advancing cultural development through advocacy, events, capacity building, and artistic distribution. Founded in 1997 and based in Sweden, it operates regional offices in Ethiopia and Kenya. Selam leads two major Pan-African initiatives: the Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF) and Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA). In partnership with the African Union, CfCA promotes public investment in culture and inclusive cultural policies. Aligned with the AU’s Revised Plan of Action on CCIs, CfCA advocates for a 1% national budget allocation to culture by 2030 and is active in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.
Emma Beverley is a multi-artform Producer and Curator. She is currently based in Finland, where she is the Director of the Helsinki International Artist Programme. Emma has held Executive Leadership positions including Director of Programmes for LEEDS 2023 and Co-Director and Co-CEO of East Street Arts. Prior to that, she was an independent producer supporting artists to make and tour their work across 6 continents. Through both professional and volunteer roles, Emma has developed a particular focus on climate action and social justice. Emma is a member of the Board for Selina Thompson Ltd. Former governance positions include as a Trustee for Hull Truck Theatre, Steering Group Member for Leeds University Horizon's Institute, Steering Group Member for Sustainable Arts in Leeds and Climate Commissioner for the City of Leeds.
Helsinki International Artist Programme (HIAP) is an international artist residency organisation established in 1998. The HIAP residency programme offers time and space for developing new work in dialogue with the local art scene. The goal is to support experimental, cross-disciplinary art practices and to actively contribute to topical debates within and around the context of art.
Thobile Maphanga is a South African dance practitioner, writer/scholar, and creative collaborator passionate about her continent and finding more holistic solutions to resolving issues of well-being and full living through the arts. She enjoys working across multiple sectors as she believes solutions can be sourced from varied understandings of the world and how people see and experience it. Her current re-occurring work endeavours are as Project Manager, Assistant Curator and Editorial Steering Committee member for JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, a 26-year-old international contemporary dance festival with an online colloquium. She plays the role of performer, dramaturg and creative collaborator with hannahmadance and the People United based in Germany and Luxembourg. She is co-convener of the African Festivals Network recently re-established in 2024. And currently serving as Co-Facilitator and Mentor for The Festival Academy.
The African Festivals Network (AFN) aims to promote and celebrate Africa’s diverse cultural landscapes by supporting collaboration among festivals across the continent. Our mission is to foster unison, inclusivity, and economic growth by connecting festival organizers, artists, and stakeholders to create vibrant and sustainable cultural experiences that benefit local communities and contribute to global cultural exchange. AFN envisions becoming the premier platform empowering African festivals to thrive, amplify African voices, and drive social and economic growth. By fostering cross-cultural understanding and showcasing Africa’s creativity, AFN sees festivals as powerful tools for positive transformation and cultural brilliance throughout the continent and beyond.
Wabwire Joseph Ian is a cultural innovator and creative producer based in Kampala, Uganda who harnesses the power of arts to drive civic engagement, social transformation, and intercultural dialogue across Africa. Through strategic leadership at KQ Hub Africa and co-founding the Culture & Art Community Impact Fund Africa (CACIFA), he has pioneered initiatives that redefine narratives, connect communities, and amplify marginalized voices. His work centers on leveraging artistic expression as a tool for change—curating workshops, exhibitions, festivals, multimedia projects, and cross-border exchanges that foster mobility for African artists and challenge dominant narratives. These initiatives are geared towards bridging divides, promoting peacebuilding, and reimagining Africa’s creative future through collaboration. An activist for new cultural frameworks, ethical funding, artistic mobility, and transnational co-creation, ensuring Africa’s creative voices shape global discourse
KQ Hub Africa is a cultural development organization and interdisciplinary studio based in Kampala, Uganda. They nurture emerging talent in the arts and culture sector through mentorship, capacity building, and research initiatives. The organisation's programs support young creatives and cultural practitioners by providing access to resources, knowledge exchange, and collaborative opportunities. Through exhibitions, residencies, and regional exchange programs, KQ Hub Africa fosters innovation and cross-cultural dialogue. At the heart of their work is a commitment to strengthening the creative economy and empowering artists to shape inclusive and resilient cultural futures across Africa.
Lilian Hipolyte is a seasoned Creative Director, Brand Strategist, Curator, and Service Designer with over 15 years of experience in design, culture, arts, advertising, and product innovation across East Africa and the UK. Originally trained as a painter-sculptor, her creative path evolved into user experience and product design, leading to roles as a global design director, project manager, and mentor to young creatives. She has worked in Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, and the UK, and currently serves as Director of Nafasi Art Space. Lilian’s practice is grounded in the intersection of art and design, with a passion for the power of creativity to influence health, culture, community, and business. She builds purpose-driven brands and services that foster sustainability in the creative and cultural industries, with expertise in digital transformation, governance, and institutional development.
Nafasi Art Space is a dynamic art centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, dedicated to nurturing human potential through contemporary art. It hosts the Nafasi Academy, artist studios, and diverse programmes that support creation, learning, and public engagement. Nafasi offers workshops, exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and festivals, and supports artists nationwide through its Academy and FEEL FREE grant. The space includes over 20 studios—many repurposed from shipping containers—a children’s art area, galleries, a performance stage, rehearsal studios, and creative zones for painting, sculpting, music, and more, fostering a vibrant community of artists and audiences alike.
Milena Gehrt works as a curator and project manager in Berlin and Beirut. She studied at Freie Universität Berlin and completed a master’s in “Art History and Curating” at the American University of Beirut (AUB). From 2016 to 2019, she worked with Zoukak Theatre in Beirut, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, and independent festivals in Berlin. Since 2018, she has been a member of ITI and was part of the jury for the ITI Prize 2025. In 2019, she moved to Beirut to research public art interventions and work with Ashkal Alwan and the Goethe-Institut. At AUB, she co-curated three exhibitions and explored alternative models of artistic exchange. She currently co-curates "Mouth Archives", a series of culinary and sound performances, coordinates the DAAD publication "Beyond Orientalism(s)" and the ITI project "Shaping Crossroads".
Felix Sodemann grew up in Cologne and came to Berlin after living in Tübingen and Turkey and studying German and literature. He has been working at ITI since 2019, managing the projects touring artists and Shaping Crossroads and is responsible for various conference and event formats. He is also active as a freelance theatre and film maker and translator.
