G.A.S. Foundation’s archivist Naima Hassan led a hybrid reading group session, uniting Art and Culture Study Group members, G.A.S. residents, alumni, and industry stakeholders. Together, they delved into early writings on restitution through the prism of FESTAC’77 and FESMAN.

Naima Hassan and Billy Fowo, during their shared residency at G.A.S. Foundation, inventoried scattered archives and ephemera linked to these pivotal Pan-African festivals. In his segment, Billy Fowo explored the significance of multilingualism and translation in bridging the gaps within performance-based archives, offering profound insights into cultural connections.

This November, G.A.S. Lagos welcomes Elsa James, an established Essex-based artist, filmmaker, researcher, and activist for a month-long residency in Lagos. She aims to confront facets of her African heritage while addressing the profoundness of histories fractured by the transatlantic slave trade of the 17th and 18th centuries. Through introspection and forging connections, Elsa endeavors to create a fresh body of work inspired by her discoveries

The Barnes Foundation, established in 1922, by Albert C. Barnes, is an art collection and educational institution whose mission is to promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture. Dr. Barnes, believed that art had the power to improve minds and transform lives. In line with The Barnes' value of ongoing learning  and career advancement, they are supporting a residency for TK Smith; their Curator of African Diasporic Art

Autograph, established in 1988, is at the forefront of championing artists who utilize photography and film to address pressing issues of race, representation, human rights, and social justice. In an exciting partnership, Autograph is now sponsoring residencies at the Guest Artists Space foundation, offering a platform for artists to explore their creativity and engage with vital societal questions. 

In My Garden is a performance piece conceptualised by current G.A.S. Lagos resident Gareth Nyandoro. In early 2023 he embarked on backyard greenhouse farming, cultivating harvests of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. This form of urban farming not only sustains his own family but also allows him to share the surplus with members of his local community.

Amidst the bustling streets of Lagos, a brand new cultural expedition is unfolding as TK Smith, a distinguished curator, writer, and cultural historian from Philadelphia, immerses himself in his month-long residency at G.A.S. Lagos. With a fervent passion for African diasporic art, TK's mission is to connect, collaborate, and contribute, fostering meaningful exchanges and shaping a narrative that transcends borders.

During his residency, TK seeks to foster collaborations, act as a bridge between communities, and share his expertise through public talks, studio visits, and critical discussions. With a laptop and a few books in tow, he aspires to delve into Lagos' artistic landscape, drawing inspiration from its history, craft traditions, and contemporary expressions. Through this enriching experience, TK Smith aims to further his role as a curator of African diasporic art, embracing the cultural exchange between Philadelphia and Lagos.

October in Lagos was charged with electric anticipation for ART X Lagos, and the G.A.S. and Y.S.F. teams spent the month in preparation for their annual Lagos Art Tour. The first residents to join ART X Prize Winner, Belinda Kazeem, that month were Karl Ohiri, and Riikka Kassinen of Lagos Studio Archives. The duo arrived in Nigeria to continue their exploration of the Abi Morocco Photo Archive, a historic photography studio based in Lagos, Nigeria that ran from 1970 until 2006, capturing historic scenes of Nigerian social life.

After careful consideration of the 160 applications received, we are thrilled to announce the selection of three winners. Two of these talented individuals will be embarking on their residencies at G.A.S. Lagos, while the third will have the unique opportunity to create at our sister location, the G.A.S. Ecology Green Farm in Ijebu.

Hosted by G.A.S. Lagos in conjunction with Vleeshal Center for Contemporary Art, On Play is the last phase of a long-term collaboration between artist, curator and G.A.S. trustee Temitayo Ogunbiyi and Vleeshal's nomadic curators Nomaduma Rosa Masilela and Thiago de Paula Souza.

G.A.S. Foundation is pleased to invite you to an artist talk with our current resident, Leo Robinson, a Glasgow-based multimedia artist. During the discursive event, Leo will discuss his work from the last two years through the framework of imaginary cultures and rituals, and ways in which new narratives can function as resistance against displacement and repression/oppression.