ART for Policy Change

Passion Project Title:
ART for Policy Change: Breaking the Silence on Cerebral Palsy in Northern Nigeria

1. Problem You Solve:
High prevalence of cerebral palsy in Northern Nigeria, especially Borno State, caused by widespread home births (often >80% in rural areas), lack of skilled maternity care, birth asphyxia, and the harmful cultural belief that CP is a spiritual curse rather than a preventable neurological condition. This leads to stigma, isolation, delayed care, and lost potential for children.

2. Target Audience:
Pregnant women, young mothers, families with children living with cerebral palsy, and community/religious leaders in rural and semi-urban Northern Nigeria (starting in Maiduguri, Borno State).

3. Signature Offerings:

Signature Offering 1: Emotive Digital Art Campaign

Executive Summary: Powerful digital artworks using emotive realism fused with Northern Nigerian culture to transform the narrative around cerebral palsy from “spiritual curse” to preventable and supportable condition.

Product Type: Digital Art Series (images, posters, short animations)

Pricing Model: Free for community use & sharing | Sponsorship & exhibition partnerships (USD 500–2000)

Why it matters: Art reaches hearts where words fail.

Problem it solves: Stigma and lack of awareness.

Value it creates: Emotionally compelling prevention messages that increase demand for facility-based births and reduce isolation.

How it is different: Culturally grounded, emotionally powerful digital realism instead of generic posters or text campaigns.

Signature Offering 2: Community Sensitization Workshops

Executive Summary: Interactive art-based workshops that combine my original artworks with real stories and practical advocacy toolkits for families and community leaders.

Product Type: Service (In-person + Virtual Workshops)
Pricing Model: Free / Sponsored for local communities | Corporate & NGO sponsorship packages
Why it matters: Changes minds through conversation and visuals.

Problem it solves: Misinformation and cultural barriers.

Value it creates: Direct stigma reduction and increased health-seeking behavior.

How it is different: Uses art as the central engagement tool, making complex health messages accessible and memorable.

4. Success KPIs (Next 2 Months):
– Reach 5,000+ people with campaign messages
– Conduct 8 community workshops
– Collect feedback from 50+ participants
– Secure at least 1 meeting with Borno State health officials
– Achieve 30% reported increase in awareness/stigma reduction among participants

5. First 20% Milestone (by April 19):
Complete 5 core digital artworks, gather real feedback from 10 families, run 2 sensitization sessions, and prepare full launch toolkit — creating the foundation for measurable impact.

6. Real User Feedback:
– “People avoid us because they think it’s a curse…” (Mother of a child with CP)
– “The art makes it feel real and urgent. We need this kind of message.” (Community leader)
Feedback already used to refine messaging toward hope + prevention.

7. Stage 2 Launch Plan (April 30 – June 15):
– Full digital campaign rollout across Instagram, Facebook & local platforms
– 6–8 workshops in Maiduguri and surrounding areas
– Creation of shareable posters, short videos & advocacy toolkit
– Policy engagement with health stakeholders using art as visual evidence
– Continuous feedback collection and iteration

This project turns my strength as an internationally recognized digital artist and UN visual artist into a practical tool for social change — aligned with SDG 3, 4, and 10.

I am ready for execution and Stage 2.

Let’s replace stigma with understanding and prevention. 🔥

#BSMe2e #PassionProjects #Stage1 #ARTforPolicyChange #CerebralPalsyAwareness #UNSDGs