In a dazzling collision of creativity, courage, and community, Odyssey Media House, led by Executive Director and Lead Curator Oluwadamilola Adetomiwa, is not just hosting events; it is designing a pioneering model for the Combined Arts sector. Their recent, sold-out ‘Create to Heal’ event at Theatre in the Mill was a profound success, serving as a blueprint for cultural institutions to integrate mental well-being and artistic practice.
Innovative Curatorial Engineering
The event’s success hinges on Adetomiwa’s incisive curatorial vision. As the Lead Curator, he strategically engineered a Combined Arts experience that seamlessly blended high-level film, dialogue, spoken word and live music to create a culturally resonant conversation.
This wasn’t mere coordination; it was a conscious effort to challenge traditional genre boundaries and address the often-overlooked relationship between mental well-being and the artistic process.
“Our goal for this first event was to provide a safe space for creatives to explore how mental health uniquely manifests across different art forms,” declared Adetomiwa. “We want to create safe spaces where art becomes a language for healing.”
This vision was executed flawlessly by the core artistic programming team, which included Mojola Oni, Love Babalola, and Oluwatobi Olorunmakomi.
Together, this creative dream team transformed an ordinary evening into something unforgettable, underscoring Adetomiwa’s ability to not only lead but also to strategically delegate and empower talented collaborators.
The night kicked off with the screening of the emotionally charged short film Joy is Bitter, setting a powerful emotional catalyst. This was followed by a strategic artistic showcase, demonstrating Adetomiwa’s commitment to elevating new UK talent.
Mofetoluwa Racheal Fasanya, a rising spoken-word phenom, delivered a “jaw-dropping performance,” using poetry to navigate trauma, self-love, and healing.
The evening culminated with Omotola & Friends, a dynamic Afro-pop collective who “brought the house down” with a vibrant performance, demonstrating how healing can culminate in pure, unfiltered joy.
The curation provided a critical platform for diverse, emerging voices while affirming Adetomiwa’s expert eye for artistic excellence and audience engagement.
Strategic Partnerships and National Significance
The event’s strategic importance within the UK cultural sector was cemented by its high-profile partners. Odyssey Media House gave thanks to the National Science and Media Museum, Cinema for All, and, critically, Bradford 2025 (UK City of Culture).
The partnership with Bradford 2025 is a powerful endorsement of Adetomiwa’s ability to deliver high-quality, impactful programming at a national level. It positions Odyssey Media House as a key delivery partner for the city’s cultural year and solidifies Adetomiwa’s position as an emerging leader capable of commanding the trust of major cultural institutions.
With Adetomiwa teasing upcoming projects like A City in Frames and a tantalising new film, Carnal Merchant, one thing is crystal clear: Odyssey Media House is not just reacting to the cultural landscape; they are actively shaping its future.