Access Holdings, ART X Collective Launch Access ART X Prize 2023 To Inspire Emerging African Artists
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Access Holdings, a pioneering financial institution, and ART X Collective, a leading cultural enterprise, have officially opened the call for entries for the highly anticipated Access ART X Prize 2023, Readership NG reports.
Applications became accessible to the public on September 20, 2023, and will remain open until October 18, 2023, exclusively through ARTXLAGOS.COM/PRIZE. This initiative aims to empower emerging African artists by awarding two standout talents with $10,000 grants for exhibitions at ART X Lagos 2024.
The Access ART X Prize 2023 seeks to foster creativity and elevate emerging talent across the African continent. The Nigerian winner will earn a prestigious 3-month residency at Gasworks, London, while the African/Diasporan winner will enjoy a 3-month residency at Yinka Shonibare’s GAS Foundation in Lagos. Both recipients will also receive personalized mentorship support, emphasizing the partners’ shared commitment to nurturing artistic growth and promoting cultural exchange.
Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director of Access Holdings Plc, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Access ART X Prize is not just about recognizing talent; it is about empowering the next generation of African artists to tell their stories and inspire the world. Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing creativity and driving the growth of the African art industry, fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”
Since its inception in 2016, the Access ART X Prize has been a beacon of support for early career artists, providing them with diverse opportunities to showcase their talents. In a significant development last year, the prize expanded its reach to include early-career artists from across the African continent and its diaspora, emphasizing inclusivity, diversity, and cross-cultural exchange. The 2022 Access ART X Prize was awarded to two exceptional talents: Dafe Oboro (Nigerian Prize-winner) and Belinda Kazeem-Kamiński (Africa/Diaspora Prize-winner).
A distinguished panel of renowned artists and cultural practitioners will oversee the rigorous evaluation process for submissions, focusing on creativity, originality, and technical skill to ensure that the most exceptional talents receive recognition. The Access ART X Prize 2023 will be judged by a stellar jury that includes Babajide Adeniyi-Jones (Photographer), Barthélémy Toguo (Artist), Daudi Karungi (Founder, Afriart Gallery), Emeka Ogboh (Artist), Gabi Ngcobo (Artist and Curatorial Director, University of Pretoria), and Yesomi Umolu (Director of Curatorial Affairs and Public Practice, Serpentine Galleries). The curator for the 2023 edition is the highly regarded Jumoke Sanwo.
Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder and CEO of ART X Collective, expressed gratitude for the diverse and experienced jury, saying, “Their expertise and perspectives will ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of the submissions, ultimately bolstering this exceptional platform for early career artists to showcase their work and engage in meaningful dialogue with the global art community.”
Peterside-Schwebig also acknowledged the vital role played by Access Holdings in supporting the promotion and elevation of the next generation of African artists, underscoring their commitment to driving the growth and development of the African art industry.
For more information on the Access ART X Prize, please visit ARTXLAGOS.COM/PRIZE.
