Minister Musawa showcases emerging artists at creative residency
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, joined creatives and culture enthusiasts at the Open Studio event marking the conclusion of the Reimagining Hope Residency Program—an intensive six-week creative journey.
Held under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, the residency was launched in partnership with Madhouse and Tikera Africa. It is the first initiative of its kind in Nigeria, designed to nurture emerging artists while exploring the country’s cultural richness and identity.
The Open Studio served as the debut exhibition of the artists’ original works, each a unique reflection of Nigeria’s diverse heritage and vibrant cultural landscape. These pieces, created during the residency, are now set to embark on an international tour, taking Nigerian stories to audiences around the world through contemporary visual art.
Minister Musawa commended the program as a groundbreaking step in elevating Nigeria’s creative economy.
“This initiative demonstrates the power of art not just as a tool for expression, but as a vehicle for national identity, economic empowerment, and global storytelling,” she said.
The residency has positioned the participating artists for greater visibility and growth in their respective careers, offering them a platform to connect with global audiences and collaborators.
Beyond the art on display, the program also emphasized mentorship, professional development, and cross-cultural exchange—elements that organizers say are vital to building a sustainable creative sector in Nigeria.
Attendees at the Open Studio event included industry leaders, curators, collectors, and policy stakeholders who lauded the initiative for its transformative potential in redefining the narrative of Nigerian creativity on the global stage.
