Ibom Entertainment Week (IEW) is Akwa Ibom State’s flagship creative and tourism showcase: a multi-day program of parades, masterclasses, live concerts, film and fashion spotlights, city tours, deal rooms, and community events designed to grow the creative economy and promote the state as a cultural destination.
Origins & stewardship
• Initiator: Government of Akwa Ibom State
• Lead office: Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment (Utang Akwa Ibom, David Sergeant)
• Policy anchor: The Governor’s ARISE agenda—jobs, MSME growth, destination marketing, and youth empowerment
• Delivery model: Public–private co-production with local promoters, guilds, media, hospitality groups, and brands
Core objectives
1. Spotlight homegrown talent and export-ready content
2. Build marketable skills via practical training
3. Attract tourism spend and private investment
4. Formalize pathways from discovery → incubation → distribution
5. Celebrate culture, unity, and positive youth engagement
Program pillars (what happens during the week)
• Street Parade & Opening Rally: cultural troupes, DJs, floats, and community brands
• Masterclasses & Clinics: music business, film producing, show tech, IP & contracts, brand strategy, creator monetization, PR, grant writing
• Deal Room & Pitches: artist–manager speed meetings, brand briefs, investor matchmaking
• Showcases: music nights (gospel, Afrobeats, highlife), fashion runway, short-film blocks, comedy, spoken word
• Tours: heritage routes (raffia craft, cuisine, landmarks), studio visits, city murals
• Career & Vendor Fair: label A&R desks, casting calls, crew hiring, creative tools, food & crafts market
• Community Track: school outreaches, safe-spaces for women in creative tech, disability-inclusive programming
• Awards & Closing Concert
Who should attend
Artists, producers, filmmakers, fashion/design houses, dancers, comedians, photographers, content creators, crews (sound/light/video), venues, brands, agencies, investors, hoteliers, chefs, culture journalists, students, and fans.
Participation pathways
• Perform/Screen/Show: open call → EPK/link → curation
• Teach/Mentor: submit masterclass outline + outcomes
• Pitch/Invest: request Deal-Room slot; NDAs available on site
• Vendor/Exhibit: food, crafts, tech—apply for stalls early (HSE rules apply)
• Volunteer: stage management, accreditation, guest services
• Media: pre-accreditation for press pits & interview zones
Artist & business services on site
Legal & IP desk (contracts/performing rights), PRO liaison for setlists, health & safety, emergency care, gear check, rehearsal slots, content capture booths, and social media war-room.
Venues & logistics (typical)
Uyo city precincts (stadium/arena grounds for concerts), civic centers for masterclasses, and curated outdoor spaces for parades and markets. Shuttle loops, traffic management, and crowd-safety marshals coordinated with state agencies.
Funding & partnerships
State facilitation + brand sponsorships, beverage & telco partners, media networks, travel/hospitality, gear companies, creator platforms, development organizations (skills, grants).
Measurement & impact (suggested KPIs)
Attendance, bed-nights, vendor revenue, jobs/crews engaged, training hours delivered, artist bookings post-event, media reach, brand activations, safety record, and accessibility metrics.
Code of conduct & safety
Accreditation is required for controlled zones; zero tolerance for harassment is enforced; decibel, pyrotechnic, and crowd density limits are strictly adhered to; and medical tents and hydration points are available.
Past highlight (2024 edition)
Held Sept 11–15, 2024, under the theme “Arise, Elevate Your Dreams,” featuring a street parade, masterclasses, a headline concert, and guided tours—backed by the Governor’s ARISE agenda to promote talent and entrepreneurship.
How to prepare (quick checklist)
• Artists: EPK, clean stage plots, setlists for PRO, backline needs
• Businesses: POS readiness, permits, signage, sampling plan
• Attendees: register early, plan transport, stay hydrated, respect venue rules
Official conversation tags
#IbomEntertainmentWeek #IbomEntertainmentWeek2024 #ExperienceAkwaIbom #ARISE
