In July 2023, the open call for the second G.A.S. Fellowship Award was unveiled. This fully-supported opportunity welcomed emerging creative practitioners from diverse disciplines residing in the West African region. The 2023 edition specifically welcomed applications from emerging practitioners whose work is rooted in the realms of Materiality, Ecology, Food, Environment, and History in the Present.

The judging panel was impressed by the wealth of talent, the quality, and the diversity of artistic practices presented. After careful consideration of the 160 applications received, we are thrilled to announce the selection of three winners. Two of these talented individuals will be embarking on their residencies at G.A.S. Lagos, while the third will have the unique opportunity to research and create at our sister location, the G.A.S. Ecology Green Farm in Ijebu.

On the 6th of November, TK Smith, curator-in-residence at G.A.S. invited curators from across the city of Lagos, to converse over a shared meal as an opportunity to engage in open conversation about the intricacies and nuances of curatorial labor. Guests were invited to consider how curatorial practices manifest across different geographical, cultural, and economic contexts whilst responding to provocations such as: How can the curatorial community best serve its diverse audiences?

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.