Zaafi Black Arts and Home

About Us

ZAAFI ARTS is an arts organization dedicated to curating transformative literary and performance programs and events. We focus on theatrical productions—including dance, drama, folk music, storytelling, and poetry—as well as film and art-for-development initiatives. Our aim is to impart knowledge, foster cultural connections, and encourage collaboration. By addressing pressing social and environmental issues, we pay special attention to schools, women, youth, and socially vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with mental or physical impairments. We strive to be a voice for the voiceless, inspiring and empowering individuals to promote peace and unity, ultimately fostering growth and development within our communities, our nation, and globally through the power of art.

Mission

We empower individuals and communities across Ghana through engaging theatre and performance arts programs that inspire positive social and environmental change. By reaching diverse groups—from urban schools to rural communities—we aim to ignite creativity, encourage meaningful dialogue, and create lasting collective impact.

Vision

We envision a vibrant Ghana where creative expression thrives. Through drama, poetry, folk music, dance, film, and animation, we aim to foster social and environmental awareness, enrich cultural heritage, and promote personal growth for individuals and communities.

What we do

Our theatre presentations are designed to create a meaningful impact on growth and development. We incorporate traditional Ghanaian storytelling, featuring dance, folk music, drama, poetry, and both written and oral history, with the aim of promoting and preserving our diverse cultural heritage.

ZAAFI Arts focuses on transformation through art, uniting and connecting us through our shared human experiences to inspire and motivate. Our theatrical productions—including plays, dramas, folk songs, and films—address pressing social issues, highlighting both our strengths and weaknesses as a community. This reflection allows us to identify areas for improvement.

At ZAAFI Arts, we are committed to creating artistic content that is not only entertaining but also enlightening, timeless, and impactful.

Our performance arts and literary shows tackle critical issues such as environmental health, climate change awareness, poverty, and injustice, with special attention to vulnerable groups including youth, women, the elderly, children, and individuals with mental or physical impairments. We strive to give a voice to the voiceless, producing art that empowers and fosters progress socially, environmentally, psychologically, culturally, and economically.

Impact Metrics:

Over the course of its existence, ZAAFI ARTS has led and facilitated over 200 workshops across a variety of settings, from schools and hospitals to traditional centres and prisons. These workshops have consistently attracted large, diverse audiences, ranging from intimate groups of 10-20 participants to large-scale events with up to 2000+ attendees. The sessions have provided valuable tools for personal development, social awareness, and community building.

ZAAFI ARTS has also facilitated outreach programs in over 15 rural communities, reaching underserved populations.

The organization has collaborated with local and international partners such as ARTEZ UNIVERSITY OF ARTS (Netherlands), WRITERS PROJECT GHANA, GHANA GIRLS GUIDE Association, TANZER OHNE GRENZER (Germany), YOUTH STANDING STRONG STORYTELLING (USA), and the National THEATRE OF GHANA to promote arts education, community outreach, and cultural diversity and heritage preservation.

Many participants who attended ZAAFI ARTS workshops have gone on to become community leaders, with several establishing their own local initiatives and social projects.

Collaborative Testimonials:

ZAAFI ARTS brings an unparalleled passion and commitment to every project. Their exceptional work, particularly in community outreach, highlights their dedication to harnessing the power of the arts for social change. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with ZAAFI ARTS on multiple theatre and storytelling initiatives, and I’ve seen first-hand the profound and lasting impact their work has had on participants from diverse backgrounds. ZAAFI ARTS is truly a valuable asset to the arts community.

– Dr. Martin Egblewogbe, Co-Founder/Manager, WRITERS PROJECT GHANA, Accra, Ghana

Participating in ZAAFI ARTS’ storytelling workshop was a life-changing experience. I not only learned new techniques to enhance my storytelling skills as a writer, but also gained a deeper understanding of how narrative can drive social change. ZAAFI ARTS’ ability to engage with our group and create a space for us to share our own stories was inspiring. I left the workshop feeling more confident and with a renewed sense of purpose.

– Amelie, Second-Year Student Writer, ARTEZ University of the Arts, Netherlands.

ZAAFI Arts aims to impart knowledge and inspire change by making theatre accessible to all. We take our performances to diverse social settings, including market centres, hospitals, prisons, churches, schools, and community gatherings.

Our Theatre for Development (TFD) programs specifically target rural communities, addressing critical issues such as hygiene, health, water pollution, deforestation, unemployment, famine, tribal conflict, migration, and climate change. We conduct workshops and use entertainment and drama skits to engage audiences in meaningful discussions.

To promote art appreciation among young people, ZAAFI Arts emphasizes art education. We reach out to schools with workshops that encompass various art forms and recreational activities, including sports and field trips, to spark interest and nurture talent.

We conduct training programs, workshops, and performances in both urban and rural areas across Ghana. Over the years, we have collaborated with organizations like Rhythm of Hope Foundation, Writers Project Ghana, and SEN-AFRIC to educate and raise awareness in rural schools, such as those in Bronikrom (Western Region), Adambrobe (Eastern Region), and Akatsi (Volta Region).

While our team operates on a volunteer basis, ZAAFI Arts also creates job opportunities through vocational skills training programs. We invite qualified professionals to provide practical training in areas such as woodworking, agriculture, weaving, ceramics, and catering, along with essential life-saving skills like first aid and CPR.

ZAAFI Arts effectively self-funds its projects by leveraging the skills of our theatre and creative artists—writers, painters, actors, and more. Our team is trained to create immersive experiences, including designing and building sets, creating costumes, managing marketing, and ensuring our welfare. This multifaceted approach equips us with diverse skills that we apply in our daily lives, allowing us to sustain ourselves while supporting our artistic endeavours and contributing to national development—socially, environmentally, psychologically, and economically.

Testimonials

ZAAFI ARTS is an exceptional organization that brings unparalleled passion and dedication to every project. Their work, particularly in community outreach, demonstrates a deep commitment to using drama and dance as powerful tools for social transformation. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with ZAAFI ARTS on several Theatre for Development initiatives, and I’ve seen first-hand the profound and lasting impact their interactive workshops have had on participants from all walks of life. ZAAFI ARTS is truly an invaluable asset to the arts community.

– Stephany Ursula Yamoah, Artistic Director/Choreographer, National Theatre of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

My organization, along with the 'GLOBAL WATER DANCES' program and its initiators, expresses profound gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with ZAAFI ARTS on this global environmental and climate change initiative, aimed at preserving and protecting our waters and planet. As the project coordinator, it has been a privilege to work alongside Artistic Director and Choreographer Rita, especially during the initial stages of the outreach in the TSITO rural community and schools. I had the chance to witness first-hand the outstanding teamwork and dedication of the ZAAFI ARTS team. Their commitment, discipline, passion, and professionalism are truly remarkable. I highly recommend ZAAFI ARTS for any project, as they consistently deliver with excellence."

– Anja Schäplitz, Project Coordinator, DANCERS WITHOUT BORDERS, Germany.

Participating in ZAAFI ARTS’ workshops, starting back at my high school, Akropong SHS, was transformative. Our school was fortunate to be part of their outreach program, which raised awareness on environmental and climate change issues. The vocational skills training in bakery and palm branch weaving, among other things, has helped me support myself as I pursue my college education. I am incredibly grateful to Rita and the ZAAFI ARTS team for their commitment to individuals and the environment. I am now a proud environmental activist, thanks to their workshops.

– Roland, High School Student turned Activist], Akropong SHS, Ghana.

Expanding Our Outreach Initiatives

ZAAFI ARTS is deeply committed to growing our Theatre for Development programs to reach schools and communities nationwide. Our goal is to foster social, environmental, and economic well-being through art, while promoting literacy and academic achievement—particularly in rural areas.

To achieve this, we have launched two key outreach programs:

FOOTING:

This program focuses on rural communities, with a special emphasis on youth, women, and adults. It includes workshops on storytelling, writing, poetry, music, dance, social living, and vocational skills training. We have also incorporated agricultural-focused workshops that discuss the economic benefits of farming, aiming to inspire youth to consider agriculture as a sustainable and profitable career. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, such as planting crops or creating small-scale gardens, demonstrating how agriculture can be practically integrated into community life.

SCHOOL PAGE:

This program targets students from primary through tertiary levels. We seek to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts, culture, and literature. Through interactive theatre events and workshops, we aim to enhance academic performance while fostering creative expression.

Both programs emphasize raising awareness about the challenges faced by students with learning disabilities, ensuring that education is inclusive and accessible to all. We employ creative methods to make learning enjoyable and effective for every participant.

Our approach has already garnered positive feedback from participating schools and communities. Participants have shown improvements in areas such as communication skills, reading enthusiasm, health awareness, cultural appreciation, and social development.

Overview

“Empowering transformation through art for a socially, environmentally, and psychologically enriched world."

For years, ZAAFI ARTS has been reaching under-served communities using community theatre to foster awareness, self-reflection, and problem-solving. Through interactive performances, we help these communities identify their unique challenges and collaborate on realistic, actionable solutions that resonate with their everyday lives.

Our outreach goes beyond performances. We offer skill-building workshops, providing practical, hands-on training to empower community members. Additionally, we provide essential resources, such as non-perishable food items, educational supplies, and other donations to support local needs.

Program Benefits

Our Schools & Communities Outreach Programs offer the following benefits:

Artistic and Cultural Exchange: Participants engage in local and international cultural exchange programs, broadening their horizons and enriching their experiences.

Enhanced Academic Performance: Interactive workshops improve reading, writing, communication, and artistic expression, contributing to better academic outcomes.

Personal Development: Our programs foster confidence, creativity, and leadership, empowering participants to embrace new challenges.

Community Engagement & Cultural Appreciation: We strengthen community connections, fostering respect for diverse cultural heritage through collaborative initiatives.

Promoting Tourism: By showcasing local traditions and artistic expressions, our programs help promote local and national tourism.

Empowerment & Advocacy: We focus on empowering marginalized groups, including women, children, and people with physical challenges, by providing vocational training to help them achieve self-reliance.

Support for Drama Clubs: We assist schools in establishing and maintaining drama clubs, providing lasting platforms for students to explore creativity.

Activism & Advocacy: Our programs advocate for environmental protection, climate action, and human rights, empowering participants to become advocates for change.

Poverty Alleviation: Through vocational and life skills training, we help individuals create job opportunities, addressing unemployment, especially among the youth.

We are confident that these initiatives will provide valuable opportunities for youth, adults, women, and marginalized community members, contributing to the social, cultural, and economic betterment of our communities and nation.