The start of May was marked by the arrival of our seventh Tiwani Contemporary supported resident at G.A.S. Foundation. Dawit L. Petros. Dawit’s rich, collaborative multidisciplinary practice blends visual art, film and photography. His time in Lagos will provide a crucial opportunity to build on and develop existing projects.

Focus on Four is a photography presentation curated by current resident Amanda Iheme, aimed at individuals exploring their own photography practice, or looking to discover new talent in the medium. It will spotlight the work of four Lagos-based photographers and deep-dive into their creative processes articulating their distinct narratives through the lens of urban and personal identity.

G.A.S. Foundation has once again partnered with Tilga Art Prize to host the winner of the annual open call at G.A.S. for an all-expenses paid residency. Tilga Art Prize are welcoming submissions from artists between the ages of 18 and 30 working and living in Nigeria, or of Nigerian descent. Applicants are invited to submit proposals as individuals or as groups across a variety of creative disciplines that include photography, painting, sculpture, illustration or multidisciplinary arts.

Architecture Photographer in residence at G.A.S. Foundation, Amanda Iheme, invites you to apply for a research workshop for research-oriented practitioners. From seasoned researchers to budding creatives, this opportunity allows selected participants to engage with titles from the G.A.S. Library and Picton Archive in a supportive, collaborative environment. Segments of the workshop will include an information session on research methods and a series of reading sessions, which will be punctuated by presentations of research findings, and joint discussions.

In African Glass Futures, guests received an introductory talk through glass production, and its role in traditional societies around the world as currencies, markers of class, and glassmaking as a coveted skill. The evening uncovered RCABLK resident, Graeme Smith's expertise as a glass sculptor, ceramicist and researcher of traditional and contemporary glass-making techniques.

Attendees also had the unique opportunity to view and interact with a curated collection of glass pieces from Bida, Niger state, crafted by Masagá glassmakers, whose traditional practice is now an endangered Nigerian Middle-Belt glassmaking tradition. Pieces were loaned by Lesley Lababidi, Ambassador of Nupe Cultural Heritage, and exhibited alongside Graeme's sculptures and experiments inspired by African glass histories.

The talk drew provocations from a reading of Saidiya Hartman's Wayward Lives Beautiful Experiments, paving the way for discourse on cultural perceptions of manual labour and handwork.