Liberia's Arts and Culture Ambassador, Amb. Kekura Kamara, popularly known as "Balawala," announced that preparations are in full swing for the inaugural Dugbor Arts and Culture Peace Festival. Scheduled for December 21–30, 2024, in Monrovia, the festival will gather artists from across Liberia’s cultural, musical, and artistic industries. Its primary aim is to foster peace, reconciliation, and unity through both traditional and modern artistic expressions.

Ambassador Kamara, speaking at a media briefing on December 4, 2024, explained that "Dugbor" is the Bassa word for Monrovia. The festival emerged from extensive collaborations with creative unions, including the Musicians Union of Liberia, the Writers Association of Liberia, the Liberian Movie Union, and the National Cultural Union. Individual designers, photographers, chefs, and visual artists are also participating. "Since we took over as Arts and Culture Ambassador, we decided to organize the creative sector so we can come together to promote Liberia's arts and culture," Kamara emphasized, highlighting the long-term vision of establishing an annual platform for Liberian artists to exhibit artifacts, perform dances, display paintings, and showcase the rich heritage of all 15 counties.

A standout feature of the festival is the participation of Liberia's national cultural troupe, local troupes, and diaspora cultural groups, including veteran performers returning from the United States. Confirmed participants include Annie Sirleaf, known as "Rascal Garmai" from the TV series Malawa Balawala; Isabella Wreh-Fofana, who played Ma Saybah in the popular Flomo Show; Annie Banti Zehyoue, President of Diaspora Culture Artist; Khata T. Soribah, founding member of the Culture Ambassador Dance Troupe; Zinnah J. Cooper, a male singer and sasa player; Laura Freeman and Williametta Ammons, both founding members of the Culture Ambassador Dance Troupe; and Nimely Napla, former Director of the National Culture Troupe and Besaoh Culture Group. This diaspora involvement aligns with the Liberia Diaspora Return Initiative, a government-endorsed program encouraging Liberians abroad to reconnect with their home country each December.

Over the 10-day festival, organizers have planned a rich lineup of cultural showcases. Highlights include a grand opening parade, live traditional and contemporary performances, extensive exhibitions of art, crafts, fashion, and Liberian cuisine, as well as culture-in-community pop-up stages across Monrovia. A special presidential program will honor Liberia's cultural heritage. Major venues include the National Heritage and Cultural Village and other selected performance areas throughout the capital city, ensuring widespread engagement.

Recognizing the significant financial requirements of hosting such a national event, Ambassador Kamara confirmed a strong commitment to launch the festival this year. Efforts are underway to engage government ministries, public corporations, and private institutions for sponsorship, offering branding and visibility benefits in return. Kamara stressed the broader economic impact: "Promoting Liberia's culture also promotes tourism, and tourism strengthens the economy." Ten counties have already been engaged, with confirmed groups preparing to travel to Monrovia once logistics are finalized. The ultimate vision of the festival, she reiterated, is to restore value, pride, and national attention to Liberia's artistic heritage, emphasizing that "Liberia can only be built by Liberians. This event is not just entertainment; it's unity, identity, and peacebuilding through culture."