In the realm of research and curation, Naima Hassan and Billy Carl Kuatche Fowo embark on a transformative residency, fueled by multifaceted visions. Their mission includes cataloging the G.A.S. Library Picton Collection and exploring Nigerian festival and artist club heritage. Expectations are high as they seek to enrich their research and curatorial practices. Naima, the Picton Collection archivist, plays a pivotal role in their mission, aligning with the Reassemblages 2023-24 program initiated by G.A.S. Foundation. Billy, an experienced curator, aims to expand his practice through connections and collaborations. Supported by the Goethe-Institut and TheMuseumsLab Alumni Projects, their collaborative journey promises to illuminate hidden narratives and foster cultural preservation.

We are pleased to open bookings for the second edition of the Yinka Shonibare Foundation Lagos Art Tour to Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation incorporating the wider creative and cultural community, and ART X Lagos. In 2023 the programme will run from 30th October until 5th November. Guests will once again be in the company of our chair and founder Yinka Shonibare CBE RA and the trustees and staff of Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation, Yinka Shonibare Foundation (Y.S.F.), and be joined by globally renowned artists, curators and collectors.

In recent months the EG Farm has undergone a period of strategic re-evaluation following a consultation period with Sogold Agricultural Ventures, a local agricultural college based in Abeokuta. In the first instance, our joint aim was to increase both the variety and volume of harvests whilst providing more opportunities for training and employment. We’re at a stage now where we can share some of the changes that have been implemented. 

Okiki Akinfe and G.A.S. Foundation are inviting young artists and arts students to apply to participate in a group critique or ‘crit’ facilitated by Okiki Akinfe and guest moderators artist  Chidinma Nnoli, and director of 1952 Africa, Tracian Meikle. The aim of the intimate session is to create a supported environment for networking and peer review, to offer an opportunity to exercise evaluation and critical review skills and to use the presented work as a point of departure for in-depth discussions about practice.

This September, G.A.S. Lagos welcomes Glasgow-based Leo Robinson, an artist and musician embarking on a research and production residency supported by our Residency Partner Tiwani Contemporary. His primary goal is to create work for upcoming UK exhibitions while immersing himself in Nigeria's culture, heritage, and music. 

Leo envisions crafting fantasy instruments, exploring his African ancestry, and connecting with traditional craftspeople, particularly those skilled in string instruments like Koras. He eagerly anticipates visits to national museums, galleries, and music venues, seeking inspiration and collecting materials from local markets. With his own tools in tow, Leo is thrilled to experience the diverse artistic landscape of Nigeria, opening new avenues for self-discovery and creative expression.

Belinda Kazeem-Kamiński, PhD, is a Vienna-based writer, artist and scholar, whose practice encompasses visual and performing arts, photography, filmmaking, and research. Belinda, who has exhibited internationally recently presented her multimedia piece Respire at the 2023 Liverpool Biennial. In November 2022, she was the recipient of the first edition of the ART X Diaspora prize and will be presenting new work at this year's edition of the fair.

G.A.S. Foundation proudly welcomes Ugoma Ebilah, a passionate creative entrepreneur and cultural curator, to its Board of Trustees. Ugoma's journey aligns perfectly with the Foundation's mission of nurturing artistic potential and enhancing the arts and culture landscape.

This week, Okiki Akinfe joined G.A.S. Lagos, opening the second year of programming at the foundation. The UK based artist and recent RCA graduate is eager to immerse herself in the ecosystem, and Yoruba culture, augmenting her exploration by visiting pertinent locales in Lagos. An innovative aspect of her stay involves the exploration of sourcing and crafting natural pigments, utilizing locally available materials. 

Guest Artists Space Foundation (G.A.S.) is currently seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to fill the role of Managing Director to be based full time at Guest Artists Space Foundation in Lagos, Nigeria. This unique opportunity is perfect for someone who truly embraces the creative and cultural sector in Nigeria and is eager to make a substantial impact. As the Managing Director, you will oversee the administration, practical operations, programming, and local fundraising efforts of this Lagos-based organisation, acting on behalf of the board.

Whilst May and June marked the end of the first season of residencies at G.A.S. Foundation they were also a period of firsts that were realised through an organisational residency with Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) Lagos and the arrival of two economics students and researchers from the Stockholm School of Economics.

We’re excited to announce the open call for the Art Exchange: Moving Image programme, a collaborative and cross-cultural curatorial professional development and exhibition programme for early to mid-career visual arts curators from Sub-Saharan Africa working with moving image. The programme is supported by the British Council and organised by LUX, the UK agency for the support and promotion of artists working with moving image, Yinka Shonibare Foundation and Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation, Nigeria.