G.A.S. Foundation is thrilled to welcome Raqs Media Collective, a renowned group of artists and researchers, as the Yinka Shonibare Foundation delegates for the World Weather Network project at our conceptual weather station on the 54-acre Ecology Green Farm in Ikiṣẹ, Nigeria. The World Weather Network is a visionary response to the climate crisis, uniting 28 arts agencies worldwide in an endeavour to create an archipelago of voices and viewpoints. 

Stockholm School of Economics, SSE, is partnering with Yinka Shonibare and G.A.S. Foundation to grant thesis scholarships to students studying to gain their Master in Finance through the Yinka Shonibare Thesis Scholarship, which was launched in cooperation with Art Initiative and Misum, Mistra Center for Sustainable Markets. The scholarship gives SSE students the opportunity to do a field study on-site in Nigeria within the context of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Laeïla Adjovi's residency research project explored the world of Yemoja, the revered water deity of Yorubaland, as she explored the history, rituals, and cultural connections surrounding this enigmatic figure, she gained unique insights from interviews conducted with esteemed scholars and practitioners, providing a fresh perspective on the enduring influence of Ifa spirituality across cultures. This research journeys through the intersections of memory, heritage, and the diaspora, as Yoruba culture weaves its narrative across continents, leaving an indelible mark on the global artistic landscape. 

To commemorate the 15th anniversary of CCA Lagos, the pan-African traveling workshop, Asiko Art School, returned to Lagos. The workshop brought together Asiko alumni, as well as old and new partners from around the world for a week-long residency-based workshop, focused on exploring the theme of shyness. This group, in residence in Lagos, included partners from Nordic Studios, Daniel Peltz, David Lasso, Meri Linna, and Alison Naturale, as well as independent curator and bookmaker, Rosie Olang’ Odhiambo. The latter three were hosted in residence at G.A.S. Lagos.

Other participants in the workshops included Mary Osaretin Omoregie, Bernard Akoi-Jackson, Luamba Muinga, and Odun Orimolade, Curator at the Yaba Art Museum. This event built upon CCA's institutional residency and month-long space takeover at G.A.S. The takeover included the National Arts in Health Week Conference, Rosie Olang's letter-writing workshop, and week-long workshops centred around the theme of shyness.

In conclusion of the second week of CCA Lagos' institutional residency at G.A.S., Rosie Olang' hosted I Hope Your Rambles Have Been Sweet, and Your Reveries Spacious, a 3-hour workshop facilitated by Rosie Olang’ (⅓ of the I Continue to Continue collective). The three-hour letter-writing session reflected on themes of growth, grounding and transit as CCA Lagos continues to mark 15 years since its founding by the Late Bisi Silva in 2007.

Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation, an artist residency with sites in Lagos and Ijebu has announced its first Founding Patron following a transformative donation from Still Earth Holdings, a group of companies whose operations span the oil and gas, construction, and financial services sector. 

The Foundation and its projects have continued to generate both local and international interest since our last press update, with features secured in publications based in Europe, Africa and Asia. We've catalogued some of our favourite coverage from the first quarter of 2023 here, and for the first time are including a piece generated by G.A.S. Foundation alumni which demonstrates beautifully the potential impact that a residency can offer.

April proved to be the busiest month to date at Guest Artists Space Foundation. A total of five practitioners based across Benin, the UK and the US were hosted both in Lagos and the Farm House in Ijebu.

G.A.S. is hosting an organisational residency in partnership with the Center for Contemporary Art, Lagos (CCA) throughout the month of May. Over four weeks CCA will programme a series of themed events, workshops and salons within the G.A.S. Lagos building whilst three invited international artists are hosted in the resident quarters.

The collaboration highlights our joint commitment to cross-organisational partnerships within Nigeria’s arts ecosystem and will allow for the sharing of resources and expertise whilst fostering impactful experiences, vital dialogues and increased opportunities that aim to foreground the local community.

G.A.S. Lagos is pleased to welcome two talented economics researchers, Alexei Moore and Miranda Hagborg, who will be in residence from 2nd to 26th May 2023. Both researchers are completing their Masters in Economics at the Stockholm School of Economics, where they are recipients of the Yinka Shonibare Thesis Scholarship, launched in cooperation with Art Initiative and Misum, Mistra Center for Sustainable Markets. The scholarship gives SSE students the opportunity to do a field study on-site in Nigeria.