Y.S.F. and G.A.S. Impact Report 2022-23

As we enter two years of programming and residencies at G.A.S. Foundation, we are thrilled to present our first Impact Report. It chronicles our journey from digital programming to welcoming our 43rd G.A.S. resident in December 2023. Throughout this transformative period, we have solidified our dedication to fostering creative development and knowledge exchange. The outcomes have surpassed our expectations, and reinforced our commitment to supporting the development and growth of cultural infrastructure in Nigeria and beyond.

"This, our first impact report, covers an exciting period of two years, during which we have transitioned from digitally and remotely supporting artists and curators to welcoming them to our new building in Lagos.

Under the visionary guidance of our esteemed founder, the eminent British-Nigerian Artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, we have forged a path illuminated by the principles of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation. Central to our mission is the synergy and teamwork between Yinka Shonibare Foundation (Y.S.F.) and our sister organisation, Guest Artists Space Foundation (G.A.S.) in Nigeria. Together, we have pioneered groundbreaking residency programs that serve as crucibles for creativity, research, and cross-cultural dialogue."

Belinda Holden, CEO Yinka Shonibare Foundation

Read the Impact Report

Our Founder Reflects On Y.S.F. and G.A.S. Foundation's Impact

"The mutually beneficial exchange, between artists and intellectuals, visitors and locals, is happening. In a global world of continuing and growing conflict, polarisation, ignorance and misinformation, providing a safe space to meet with other cultures for research, exchange, debate and collaboration, really feels to me more vital than ever.

In harnessing the power of collaboration and the generosity of visionary supporters, we are laying the foundation for a legacy that transcends generations. Together, we are forging a future where Guest Artists Space stands as a testament to the transformative potential of collective action."

Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, Founder and Chair Y.S.F. and G.A.S. Foundation

The Tranformational Power of Generous Support and Dynamic Partnerships

Between May 2022 and December 2023 G.A.S. Foundation hosted 43 residents, held 55 events across our two residency buildings and welcomed a total of 1,954 visitors.

"We’ve been able to offer a diverse range of opportunities thanks to the generosity of donors, supporters, and fantastic partnerships with universities, galleries, and institutions that support these residencies. The wonderful breadth, encompassing a spectrum of creative fields ranging from painters, fashion designers, curators, filmmakers, architects to economists, underscores our dedication to fostering a vibrant global community of artistic innovators. Receiving feedback from colleagues and creatives in Lagos affirms the transformative influence of G.A.S. on the local creative landscape."

Belinda Holden, CEO Yinka Shonibare Foundation

Our Residents Share Their Experiences

Yinka Shonibare's vision behind the two Foundations is to support the development of new work and ideas, foster mutual understanding of cultural differences, build access, and create new pathways to education whilst forging new networks and a resilient cultural infrastructure that will enable the next generation to thrive, not just survive.

Our Impact Report demonstrates the tangible value of a residency for artists, researchers, creative practitioners, and cultural workers across a broad spectrum of disciplines and career levels. There's an opportunity to learn more about G.A.S. Fellows Seyi Adelekun, Samuel Nnorom, and Uzor Ugoala. We've also included residency accounts from TURN2 funded curator Miriam Bettin and the recipient of the inaugural Access ART X Diaspora Prize, Belinda Kazeem-Kamiński.

Thank You

We unreservedly thank our supporters for their belief in what we do at Yinka Shonibare Foundation through Guest Projects Digital, and now Guest Artists Space Foundation in Lagos and the Farm House, Ijebu.

Recognising that it was not initially conceived solely for artists but intentionally designed to accommodate various creative disciplines and cultures, what began online has organically and physically expanded to tackle core issues such as food security and production, environmental and climate concerns, identity, heritage, and ultimately our collective existence. Moreover, it has provided the opportunity to bring people together from diverse cultures and backgrounds, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. Together, we can build upon the much-needed creative infrastructure for generations to come.

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Your generous contributions support the Foundation’s distinctive interdisciplinary residencies, research, education programmes and public events.

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