Between October 30th and November 5th, we had the pleasure of hosting the Lagos Art Tour 2023 - an immersive week filled with gallery, museum, and studio visits, complemented by exclusive events at both G.A.S. locations and ART X Lagos. The initiative has stemmed from the success of a similar experience organized by Y.S.F. in 2022 to celebrate the International Launch of Guest Artists Space Foundation, providing global visitors with a firsthand encounter of the vibrant cultural scene in Lagos and beyond.

​​​​​​We are thrilled to announce Asmaa Jama as the winner of the African/Diaspora Access ART X Prize 2023. Jama was presented with the opportunity at a press conference last week alongside the winner of the Nigerian Award, Julius Agbaje. Both artists will receive residency opportunities at G.A.S. Foundation in Lagos and Gasworks in London respectively with grants of $10,000 each towards exhibitions at ART X Lagos in 2024 alongside mentoring and cultural exchange opportunities to support their success on the global stage.

Acclaimed Barbadian-Scottish artist Alberta Whittle, whose multidisciplinary practice spans sculpture, performance, film, and installation has arrived in Nigeria for a month-long residency at G.A.S. Lagos. For Alberta, this opportunity offers a much-needed break, signifying more than a creative pause; it is a moment of profound rejuvenation and reset. After years of relentless artistic exploration, she seeks a tranquil space to experiment and play. The residency comes at a crucial juncture, offering Alberta uninterrupted studio time in new surroundings among fresh faces. It's an opportunity for her to delve into her practice, restoring her creative spirit and finding new inspiration.

G.A.S. Foundation’s archivist Naima Hassan led a hybrid reading group session, uniting Art and Culture Study Group members, G.A.S. residents, alumni, and industry stakeholders. Together, they delved into early writings on restitution through the prism of FESTAC’77 and FESMAN.

Naima Hassan and Billy Fowo, during their shared residency at G.A.S. Foundation, inventoried scattered archives and ephemera linked to these pivotal Pan-African festivals. In his segment, Billy Fowo explored the significance of multilingualism and translation in bridging the gaps within performance-based archives, offering profound insights into cultural connections.

This November, G.A.S. Lagos welcomes Elsa James, an established Essex-based artist, filmmaker, researcher, and activist for a month-long residency in Lagos. She aims to confront facets of her African heritage while addressing the profoundness of histories fractured by the transatlantic slave trade of the 17th and 18th centuries. Through introspection and forging connections, Elsa endeavors to create a fresh body of work inspired by her discoveries

The Barnes Foundation, established in 1922, by Albert C. Barnes, is an art collection and educational institution whose mission is to promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture. Dr. Barnes, believed that art had the power to improve minds and transform lives. In line with The Barnes' value of ongoing learning  and career advancement, they are supporting a residency for TK Smith; their Curator of African Diasporic Art

Autograph, established in 1988, is at the forefront of championing artists who utilize photography and film to address pressing issues of race, representation, human rights, and social justice. In an exciting partnership, Autograph is now sponsoring residencies at the Guest Artists Space foundation, offering a platform for artists to explore their creativity and engage with vital societal questions. 

In My Garden is a performance piece conceptualised by current G.A.S. Lagos resident Gareth Nyandoro. In early 2023 he embarked on backyard greenhouse farming, cultivating harvests of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. This form of urban farming not only sustains his own family but also allows him to share the surplus with members of his local community.

Amidst the bustling streets of Lagos, a brand new cultural expedition is unfolding as TK Smith, a distinguished curator, writer, and cultural historian from Philadelphia, immerses himself in his month-long residency at G.A.S. Lagos. With a fervent passion for African diasporic art, TK's mission is to connect, collaborate, and contribute, fostering meaningful exchanges and shaping a narrative that transcends borders.

During his residency, TK seeks to foster collaborations, act as a bridge between communities, and share his expertise through public talks, studio visits, and critical discussions. With a laptop and a few books in tow, he aspires to delve into Lagos' artistic landscape, drawing inspiration from its history, craft traditions, and contemporary expressions. Through this enriching experience, TK Smith aims to further his role as a curator of African diasporic art, embracing the cultural exchange between Philadelphia and Lagos.