By Nneka Nwogwugwu
DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders are calling on artists from Anglophone West Africa who use their creative talents to advocate for human rights to apply for the upcoming Ttaala Workshop—a comprehensive digital skills training program aimed at empowering Human Rights Defenders (HRDs).
Through the Ttaala Program, this initiative will build the capacity of artists to safely and effectively leverage digital tools in their human rights advocacy while protecting themselves from digital threats.
Workshop Topics
Participants will be trained in key areas such as:
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Secure and effective online communications
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Data literacy
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Digital data collection and documentation tools
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Data visualization tools
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Development, management, and execution of online campaigns
Benefits
Selected participants will:
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Gain practical digital skills for secure and impactful advocacy
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Improve the digital security of their work
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Join the wider Ttaala alumni network via a dedicated Signal group
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Participate in group campaigns following the workshop
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Have all workshop-related costs fully covered by DefendDefenders
Eligible Countries
The workshop is open to artists working on human rights issues in the following Anglophone West African countries:
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Nigeria
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Ghana
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Gambia
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Liberia
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Sierra Leone
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Cameroon
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be artists using their craft for human rights advocacy. Eligible disciplines include, but are not limited to:
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Visual arts (painting, photography, digital art)
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Performing arts (theatre, dance, spoken word)
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Music and sound art
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Film and video art
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Writing and poetry
Applicants must:
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Show a clear commitment to using art for human rights advocacy
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Be available from 12th to 20th May 2025
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Be able to travel to Abuja, Nigeria
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Be willing to take part in collaborative campaigns after the workshop
Selection Criteria
Participants will be selected based on:
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Demonstrated commitment to human rights through their art
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Artistic merit and the impact of their work
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Potential to apply the skills acquired
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Motivation to participate in post-workshop campaigns
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply through the official website.
DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders are reaching out to artists from Anglophone West Africa who actively use their artistic talents to promote human rights, inviting them to join the Ttaala Workshop. This workshop aims to equip artists with vital digital skills to enhance their advocacy efforts and protect themselves from digital threats. It covers essential topics such as secure online communication, data literacy, digital collection, and visualization tools, as well as strategies for developing and managing online campaigns.
Participants benefiting from this workshop will gain practical skills, improve the digital security of their work, join the Ttaala alumni network, and have their expenses covered. The workshop targets artists from Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon working in various disciplines like visual and performing arts, music, film, and writing. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to human rights advocacy, be available to travel to Abuja, Nigeria from May 12th-20th, 2025, and be open to participating in collaborative campaigns post-workshop.
Selection will be based on the applicants' demonstrated commitment to human rights, the impact of their art, and their potential to utilize the skills acquired. To apply, interested candidates can visit DefendDefenders' official website for more information.
