In a powerful validation of the growing global influence of arts-based social entrepreneurship, Nigerian-UK leader Kunle Adewale was honored with the prestigious Social Impact Award for Community Development and Inclusion at the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) 2025 in Accra, Ghana.
The Global Entrepreneurs Award, the highest accolade at the world’s largest entrepreneurship festival, recognized Adewale as a visionary whose interdisciplinary work has redefined communities and propelled global humanitarian efforts.
A Global Portfolio Rooted in Empathy
Adewale’s recognition stems from his pioneering work at the convergence of art, health, and social equity. He is the founder of the Arts in Medicine Projects and has established global fellowships that have trained over 1,000 professionals across 60 countries, ultimately impacting more than 60,000 individuals directly.
As the Global Development Lead for the Global South Arts and Health Initiative, his influence spans 41 cities, reaching half a million people worldwide. His humanitarian arts projects specifically target vulnerable populations:
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Children and youth
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People with chronic illnesses and disabilities
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Refugees and communities affected by conflict
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Individuals living with dementia
This deep commitment to using art as a vehicle for healing and empowerment has earned him numerous accolades, including the distinction of having a dedicated “Kunle Adewale Day” in the United States.
The Power of Persistence
Commenting on the award, Adewale reflected on the essence of servant leadership:
“This award honours our shared humanity… It’s about sacrifices, stewardship, and servant leadership. This is proof that impact matters, but most importantly, that persistence matters even when there is no applause and the crowd falls silent. The determination to continue doing good for the greater good will not go unnoticed!”
Elevating the Global South in Arts and Health Research
Adewale’s impact is increasingly embedded in major international research initiatives. He currently co-leads one of the world’s largest arts and health networks and is a collaborating partner with University College London on the GRACE-Epi project.
This seven-year, Wellcome Discovery Award-funded program brings together experts from epidemiology, arts, data science, and molecular biology to advance global research on arts and cultural engagement, with a key focus on incorporating perspectives from the Global South.
His visionary journey has been spotlighted by global entities including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers initiative, the Smithsonian Institution, and the U.S. State Department’s Mandela Washington Fellowship, firmly positioning him as a leading voice in global health equity.
