Chad Etekubo
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, in partnership with MADhouse by Tikera Africa, has officially opened applications for the ‘Re-imagining Hope Residency,’ a transformative initiative designed to empower Nigerian creatives.
According to a press statement released by Nneka Ikem Anibeze, Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, the six-week residency program will bring together 20 outstanding creatives from across Nigeria to tackle societal challenges through artistic expression and cultural storytelling.
Set to run in two cohorts within the first and second quarters of 2025, the residency will serve as a catalyst for artistic growth, fostering mentorship, collaboration, and immersive cultural engagement. Participants will engage in structured workshops, mentorship sessions, and open studio exhibitions, producing compelling works that reflect Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary realities.
Expressing enthusiasm for the program, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, emphasized the residency’s significance in shaping Nigeria’s cultural landscape. “This initiative highlights the essential role of the creative sector in national development. By investing in our artists, we are strengthening Nigeria’s cultural influence and positioning our creative industry for global recognition,” Musawa stated.
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Osarume Akenzua, Director of Innovation and Enterprise at Tikera Africa, described the residency as a movement to redefine how art can foster unity and economic transformation. “Creativity is a powerful tool for change, and this program is dedicated to equipping the next generation of cultural pioneers with the resources and networks needed to drive Africa’s creative economy forward,” Akenzua remarked.
Participants will benefit from access to world-class studio spaces, cultural excursions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Applications are open from January 22 to February 15, 2025, and interested creatives can apply via: https://clapnigeria.taplink.ws/
MADhouse continues to champion creative innovation and cultural preservation in Nigeria through its various initiatives, solidifying its role as a leading incubator for artistic talent.
