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Building Creative & Cultural Connections

Sunday, April 27 - Friday, May 2, 2025

IBTS 2025 

Building Creative & Cultural Connections

The CRAFT Institute in collaboration with The National Theatre of Ghana presents the 4th Biennial convening of The International Black Theatre Summit in Ghana

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Date: Sun, April 27 - Fri, May 2nd, 2025

Location: Accra, Ghana

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Journey with us as we draw upon the original AI, Ancestral Intelligence, to strategize the future of Black storytelling across platforms through Africa and the diaspora.​

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Registration is now closed. Want to get involved? Email us at info@thecraftinsitute.org

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Photo Courtesy of Dr. Victor Leo Walker​

About The International Black Theatre Summit

The International Black Theatre Summit is a Think Tank, global network, and biennial convening that gathers scholars and practitioners working in theatre, film, television, and related media and tech to strategize the future of Black storytelling across platforms throughout the continent of Africa and the Diaspora.

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Learn more about The International Black Theatre Summit here

PROGRAMMING & AGENDA

Check out the programmatic events and highlights that will be featured in IBTS 2025:

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IBTS Church

An interactive session rooted in storytelling, performance, and shared cultural practices, "CHURCH" at IBTS will be a space for reflection, teaching, and testimony. Not your traditional church, this daily morning gathering will be a thrilling, inclusive exploration, guided by the interests and needs of the collective.

IBTS Church

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Workshops

Opportunities for skills-building and networking sessions. Workshops will be available across disciplines and areas of specialization. 

Workshops

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Concurrent Sessions

 The breakout groups of the “Think Tank.” Topics of discussion will stem from the 5 Pillars of IBTS 2025: Practice and Performance, Education in and through the Arts, Finance, Marketing and Public Relations and Cross-Cultural Collaboration.

Concurrent Sessions

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Excursions

Part of the journey to the continent must include exploring the land and culture beyond IBTS. All participants will have a choice of one exciting excursion to take on Wednesday. Choices include an Accra City Tour, Eastern Region Tour and Central Region Tour. More information here

Excursions

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Performances

Globally renowned performances and art events will be made available to IBTS Attendees. 

Performances

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Community & Celebration

Ceremonies, mixers, parties and opportunities to network will be woven in throughout the week. In order to achieve a brilliant future for Black storytelling, we believe must build collective relationships in our own time. 

Community & Celebration

Visit our current Schedule At A Glance here. Updated Schedule and more information to come. 

EXCURSIONS

All participants will be invited to attend a tour excursion during their time at The International Black Theatre Summit. We encourage all to look for practice and performance inspiration through their journey. Options include: 

 

EASTERN REGION TOUR
Set off to Shai Hills for a close-to-Accra safari adventure, where you'll hike through caves and hills amidst breathtaking views. Then, continue to Aburi Botanical Gardens, a colonial oasis, established by the British for the relaxation of its officers, known for its serene landscapes and refreshing wind due to its hilly terrain. Finally, experience the hidden treasure of Asenema Waterfall, nestled in the lush Akuapem Hills which provides an exclusive and stunning waterfall experience.

 

CENTRAL REGION TOUR

Depart for Ghana's Central Region to visit the infamous castles, Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, offering an emotional journey through the dungeons and history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Next, venture into Kakum National Park for a guided walk through one of Ghana's last rainforests, including an exhilarating canopy walkway, the first of its kind in Africa, where you'll enjoy stunning views of diverse flora and fauna.

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Please note that facilitated opportunities to explore Accra City with IBTS, including the Du Bois Centre for Pan Africanism and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park will be included during the week as well.

There will also be other opportunities to extend your visit beyond Sunday, April 27 - Friday, May 2nd, with Pre-Summit and Post-Summit excursions. These excursions will be offered from Thursday, April 24 - Sunday, April 27 and Saturday May 3 - Wednesday, May 7th. These excursions will be offered through Timpo Travel.

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