| African Artists' Foundation | |
| Formation: | 2007 |
| Type: | International organization |
| Location: | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Leader Title: | Founder |
| Leader Name: | Azu Nwagbogu |
The African Artists' Foundation (AAF) is a non-profit organization, based in Lagos, Nigeria.[1] It was founded in 2007 by Azu Nwagbogu, as a platform for contemporary African art and artists working across photography, fine art, video, ceramics, sculpture, performances, writing and curation.[2] The African Artists' Foundation has through the establishment of LagosPhoto festival, National Art Competition and its residency program raised international awareness to African creativity by also collaborating with institutions, foundations, biennales and festivals globally.[3] [4]
Based in Victoria Island, The African Artists' Foundation (AAF) is located in a red concrete villa which hosts art exhibitions, festivals, competitions, residencies, education programs and workshops. Notable artists who have exhibited includesIbrahim Mahama, Victor Ehikhamenor, Emeka Ogboh, Osborne Macharia, Cristina De Middel, Omar Victor Diop and Kudzanai Chiurai.
The villa’s outdoor courtyard functions as a versatile area where fine artists, musicians, dancers, choreographers, writers and theater-makers have created performances. Three stacked containers in the courtyard function as ateliers and workshops for the artists taking part in the residency program. Established and emerging artists from Nigeria and internationally take part in the residency program which has seen artists participating including Jenevieve Aken, Joana Choumali, Obinna Makata, Uche Uzorka, Ingrid La Fleur, Melle and Joost, Monika Cyzyk, Ayanfe Olarinde, Nola Ayoola, Johnson Ocheja, Kelechi Chinwendu and Hermes Iyele.
AAF has also collaborated with organisations and institutions such as PhotoVogue, National Geographic, FOAM, Harvard Business School, Ake Arts and Books Festival, Alliance Française, Goethe-Institut, Northern Irish Art Network (NIAN), Reuters Africa, Orange Culture, Modern Art Film Archive, and Foundation Zinsou.
Dig Where You Stand (DWYS) – From Coast to Coast presents a series of traveling exhibitions, introducing a fresh framework for grappling with issues of decolonization, restitution, and repatriation. Built on the concept of regeneration, this exhibition serves as a testing ground for the return of capital and resources, both materially and symbolically, fostering a reclaiming of shared resources.[5] By redirecting the decolonization discourse away from Western museums towards site-specific, problem-solving approaches, the exhibition delves into the transformative power of art throughout Africa. Previous locations include; Tamale, Ghana and Lomé, Togo. Upcoming Locations include; Benin, Portugal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Amsterdam.
Established in 2009, LagosPhoto is the first and largest international art festival of contemporary photography in Africa. The month-long festival takes place in Nigeria and brings leading local and international photographers into dialogue with the multifaceted stories of Africa. Curated by Azu Nwagbogu, each year has a new theme that relates to the current world situation. The festival has established itself as a platform engaging both local and international artists who express themselves through historical and contemporary issues, sharing cultural practices, and advocating for social programs. It has since 2017 collaborated with World Press Photo. The program includes exhibitions, workshops, artist presentations and talks taking place at the African Artists Foundation and in public spaces in Lagos. Notable photographers who have taken part are Mary Sibande, Hassan Hajjaj, Osborne Macharia, Stephen Tayo, Nadine Ijewere, Samuel Fosso, Kadara Enyeasi, Kudzanai Chiurai, and Joana Choumali. International participating photographers have included Viviane Sassen, Martin Parr, Cristina de Middel and Lorenzo Vitturi..[6] [7] [8] [9]
Established in 2008, the National Art Competition (NAC) is an annual thematic art prize organized by the African Artists’ Foundation. With each edition, artists respond to an open call inviting art projects driven by pertinent themes in line with current social issues. Twelve finalists are shortlisted to present their ideas in a juried exhibition, with the winner awarded a life-changing cash prize. The Prize aims to promote the development of contemporary art in Nigeria to raise awareness of current social issues through creative artistic expressions. Previous winners include Gerald Chukwuma, Uche Uzorka, Modupe Fadugba, Chineye Miriam Emelogu, and Sangotoye Stephen Olayinka.[10] [11]
Centered on nurturing young emerging artists in Nigeria, particularly female artists in alignment with their Female Artists Development project, the organization's residency program serves as a vital platform for these talents to experiment and advance their careers. Encouraged to engage with the community, artists share their skills through workshops, enriching the experiences of disadvantaged youths with fresh ideas. Providing accommodation and studio space, the program culminates with the opportunity for artists to showcase their work at AAF following the residency period.
The Female Artist Development Project aims to advocate for women's rights through art. Initiated by the African Artists' Foundation, this project underscores the significance of investing in female artists, designers, and women within Nigeria's arts and culture sectors. Recognizing the imbalance in participation between male and female artists in regional exhibitions and workshops, AAF actively supports female artists in advancing their careers. The foundation organizes exclusive exhibitions for female artists, hosts a monthly women's film club, and facilitates discussions centered on female artists' experiences and achievements.[12]
The Maker Lab is a platform for young, aspiring artists to showcase their portfolios to a distinguished panel of creative professionals. Participating artists benefit from valuable insights and feedback on their work, offering them opportunities for growth and development in their practices. The program places particular emphasis on various design sub-genres including furniture, product, graphic design, fashion, and architecture, as well as welcomes photographers pushing the boundaries of contemporary photography. Through The Maker Lab, young artists receive ongoing mentorship, opportunities for exhibitions, and support in establishing themselves as successful creative entrepreneurs.[13]
Youth Empowerment through Contemporary Art (YECA) was founded to address the lack of creative education in schools and empower youth with avenues for free expression. Collaborating with various schools in Lagos, AAF offers art classes and aids in revising the visual art curriculum. The organization's objective is to provide vocational training, livelihood skills, and extracurricular activities for secondary school students while promoting art as a viable career path, with a particular emphasis on encouraging female artists to participate as role models. The Youth Empowerment program encompasses summer art classes for children and teenagers, prioritizing engagement with diverse communities across the city. Additionally, YECA invites national and international artists to facilitate workshops, enriching the program further.[14]
Talk Your Own is a AAF’s monthly open mic series hosted at the AAF space which, extends an invitation to writers, poets, musicians, and amateurs to perform and engage with the audience. Through their poetry slam sessions, they pay homage to diverse art forms, providing a stage for contemporary interpretations of West African spoken word heritage. This event attracts a diverse array of visitors and fosters an atmosphere conducive to freedom of expression.[15]