Artist / Curator-in-Residence Programme
Centered on nurturing young emerging artists in Nigeria, particularly female artists in alignment with our Female Artists Development project, the organisation’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.
Maker Lab
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 Maker Lab, young artists receive ongoing mentorship, opportunities for exhibitions, and support in establishing themselves as successful creative entrepreneurs.
National Art Competition (NAC)
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.
