Applications Open
Guest Artists Space Foundation (G.A.S.) in partnership with the Yinka Shonibare Foundation (Y.S.F.) is thrilled to announce the pilot edition of the Ìmòra Arts Intensive, an initiative designed to support the professional development of emerging local artists. The programme takes its name from the Yoruba words Ìmòra (support, guidance, mentorship) and ìmò ẹkọ (acquisition of knowledge or skill-building). Structured as a one-week intensive, held at G.A.S. Lagos from 9th to 13th June 2025, it will provide practical training for ten early-career visual fine artists. Through a series of workshops led by industry professionals, participants will develop essential skills for navigating the art world.
Applications for the Ìmòra Arts Intensive are open to emerging and early-career visual fine artists based in Lagos, Nigeria. 10 artists will be selected by our panel to participate in the programme, which will run from the 9th to the 13th of June 2025. The deadline for applications is 13th April 2025 at 23:59 WAT.
We encourage all applicants to thoroughly read the Information Pack linked below before submitting their application to ensure that they meet all criteria.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
The intensive will cover key areas, including:
- - Writing successful funding and open-call applications.
- - Developing project proposals.
- - Building and presenting a professional portfolio.
- - Crafting an effective artist statement.
- - Conducting and applying artistic research.
- - Documenting work and artistic practice.
- - Understanding the local and global arts ecosystem.
The programme aims to offer a structured opportunity for emerging local artists to gain valuable insights, refine their professional approach, and expand their networks.
ELIGIBILITY
Applications for the Ìmòra Arts Intensive are open to emerging and early-career visual fine artists based in Lagos, Nigeria. In order to be considered for final selection applicants must be:
- - Living in Lagos, Nigeria or its environs. We are unable to provide programme participants with accommodation at G.A.S. Lagos.
- - A visual fine artist. For the purposes of this open call, this is defined as a creative practitioner engaged in the creation of original works that explore conceptual, aesthetic, and material concerns. Their work can span a range of mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, installation, video art, new media, or other interdisciplinary practices.
- - An early career/emerging practitioner. This is defined as someone who has established a dedicated artistic practice but is still in the early stages of their professional development. This includes individuals who have completed formal or informal training, participated in exhibitions, residencies, or projects, and started building a public presence. However, they may not yet have gained widespread recognition, received major institutional support, or achieved significant commercial success.
- - Able to clearly demonstrate how they meet the application guidelines.
- - Able to fully complete the application form and supply an up-to-date artistic CV and portfolio.
- - Available to participate in the one-week intensive, held at G.A.S. Lagos from 9th to 13th June 2025.
ÌMÒRA ARTS INTENSIVE AWARD
Ten emerging visual artists will be selected to participate in the programme and will each receive the following:
- - Full access to the five-day programme.
- - A hot meal (lunch), drinks and snacks on each day of the programme.
- - A ₦50,000 allowance to cover transport costs/materials to support participation
EVENT: ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION
Join us on Tuesday, 1st April at 4:30 pm WAT for the Ìmòra Arts Intensive Online Information Session. This one-hour webinar hosted on Zoom is for prospective applicants and will provide an overview of the programme, eligibility criteria, and application process. It is also an opportunity to ask questions before applying.
Registration is free via the button below.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Applications open: 19th March 2025
Online information session: 1st April 2025
Applications close: 13th April 2025
Final selection: w/c 5th May 2025
The Ìmòra Arts Intensive falls under the wider scope of Project Nexus, an ambitious residency and education programme designed to nurture and empower artists, art educators, art historians, and curators through a series of residencies, professional development workshops, and educational initiatives over three years. The project embodies the spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange that lies at the heart of both Foundations’ missions, aiming to encourage and cultivate artistic excellence and curatorial innovation. Project Nexus is generously supported by Deutsche Bank.
