British Council Announces Lanre Lawal As Winner Of 2016 Your Ad Here Competition For Artists
British Council Nigeria is delighted to announce artist, Lanre Lawal as winner of Your Ad Here competition. Your Ad Here is a project exploring the relationship between advertising and daily life in the city of Lagos.
In addition to his winning entry going live on 2 May, 2016 on a billboard at the Third Mainland Bridge Ring Road in Lagos, Lawal will receive a cash prize to support his art practice. Lawal’s ‘Generatorpolis’, three commissioned pieces, and entries from the runners-up will be exhibited at A Whitespace Lagos from 13 May to 20 May, 2016.
The runners-up in the competition include Adeola Olagunju, Chris Iduma, Falodun Oluwafemi, Femi Morakinyo, Joseph Audu, Logo Oluwamuyiwa, Michael Adediji, Oladoyin Akinwunmiju, and Solomon Eko.
Previously in Your Ad Here project, commissioned by Create London and A Whitespace Creative Agency (AWCA) in Nigeria, artists Karo Akpokiere (Nigeria and Germany), Matt Stokes (UK) and Nick Waplington (UK and US) developed three new works that brought art into the public space.
“There were lots of fantastic entries submitted for the competition and we’re pleased to showcase Lawal’s ‘Generatorpolis’ on a billboard boosting awareness around programming work in public spaces and visual arts in Lagos one of the biggest cities in Nigeria,” said Ojoma Ochai, Director of Arts, British Council Nigeria.
Create Curator, Marijke Steedman spoke about the project saying: “This ambitious project triggered new relationships and conversations between creative practitioners and organisations in Nigeria and the UK. Together, British and Nigerian practitioners have been able to explore questions about the place for art in cities, and in particular, the role of the public sphere in bringing art to new audiences in Nigeria… it follows Create’s inaugural Your Ad Here commissioned in London’s Olympic Park in 2014.”
Malaika Toyo, Head of Strategy and Projects, AWCA gave his comments on the competition saying: “Sharing these artworks on billboards highlights our commitment to building more inclusive communities through the arts. A big well done to all those who participated in the competition. We are honoured to be showcasing 10 of the 41 entries at A Whitespace Lagos from Friday, May 13, 2016. This exhibition starts at 6pm, and is open to all.”
Funded by the British Council, Your Ad Here is part of UK/Nigeria 2015–16, a major season of arts in Nigeria aimed at building new audiences, creating new collaborations and strengthening relationships between the UK and Nigeria.
About UK/Nigeria 2015–16
UK/Nigeria 2015–16 is a major season of arts in Nigeria aimed at building new audiences, creating new collaborations and strengthening relationships between the UK and Nigeria. Programmed in association with a host of partners, it features more than 30 projects and more than 80 events in art, fashion, design, theatre, dance, music, literature and film throughout Nigeria and includes showcases of Nigerian arts and creative industries in the UK. UK/Nigeria 2015–16 has a focus on creating access to art, new digital work, innovation, and art in public spaces working with young people. Partnerships between Nigerian and British artists, institutions and organisations will be at the heart of the season which aims to develop skills and capacity across the creative industries. The programme creates new connections in arts, education, innovation, trade and investment.
About Red Media Africa
Red Media Africa ( http://www.redmediaafrica.com ) is the PR & Empowerment Marketing division under the parent brand, RED.
It focuses on using inspiration, empowerment and action to help brands and organisations connect with their audiences, enhance their bottom-lines and lead in their industries.
It has 6 major practice areas: Corporate Practice, Technology Practice, SME Practice, Governance Practice, Faith Practice and the International Practice - with work for brands across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. RED owns the continent's largest portfolio of youth media brands.
Its Content Division holds brands across TV, radio, online and events including Y! Magazine,YNaija.com, Rubbin' Minds, #YTech100 and the The RED Summit. It also anchors a development firm, The Future Project, which projects include Africa's leading youth platform, The Future Awards Africa, HowCanIGetInvolved.com and Aiki.ng, which is run in conjunction with Microsoft.