In the world of endangered archives, the challenges are as diverse as the records themselves. In late October, Karl Ohiri (one half of Lagos Studio Archives) and founder of Archivi.ng Fu'ad Lawal co-hosted an engaging talk and open discussion centred around two ambitious archiving initiatives dedicated to preserving Nigeria's rich cultural heritage. This event shed light on the impact of Lagos Studio Archives Projects and Archivi.ng, encouraging us to reflect on the vital importance of safeguarding cultural history for both current and future generations. 

Belinda Kazeem-Kamiński, a multifaceted artist, writer, and scholar, invited fellow creatives to participate in an enriching writing workshop during her residency at G.A.S. Lagos. This workshop aimed to utilize writing for refining and amplifying creative concepts. Belinda shared invaluable insights on harnessing writing as a potent tool to sharpen artistic vision, and shared tips and tricks for navigating application processes.

Renowned artist Gareth Jeremy Nyandoro, hailing from Zimbabwe, embarks on a two-phased residency at G.A.S. Foundation's Lagos and Ijebu centers. With a profound love for exploring the urban tapestry and human interactions, Gareth's creative practice delves into the vibrant landscapes of cities and their inhabitants. His expertise in trade, commerce, and marketplace dynamics has paved the way for unique artistic expressions, merging abstraction with the intricate details of human figures.

September proved to be an exciting opening to a second year of residencies at G.A.S Foundation, Y.S.F.’s sister organisation located in Nigeria.

Activities kicked off with the arrival of Okiki Akinfe, a UK-based visual artist and Royal College of Art alum supported by G.A.S.’s Residency Patronage Programme. Time in Lagos enabled Okiki new opportunities to explore the Yoruba traditional corpus and strengthen her current creative practice of using world-building to subvert narratives surrounding Black existence.

On Friday, October 6th, Stephen Friedman Gallery's new London location on Cork Street, Mayfair, will unveil an exciting exhibition titled 'Free The Wind, The Spirit, and The Sun,' featuring new work by Yinka Shonibare CBE RA. The exhibition also showcases a diverse group of African artists and talents from the African diaspora, curated by Shonibare himself. Among these individuals are upcoming residents and alumni who have participated in the G.A.S. residency program over the past year. 'Free The Wind, The Spirit, and The Sun' is a testament to the diverse range of disciplines explored during these residencies, encompassing paintings, sculptures, mixed media pieces, and works on paper.