Arts and Culture Nigeria Project #62916

Mentoring 45 African Female Artists for Resilience

by Girl Child Art Foundation(GCAF)

Mentoring 45 African Female Artists for Resilience

Project Report | Nov 18, 2024
Peer Call -Cohort 2023/2024

By Janet Ibitayo | Front Desk officer

A Session with AFAMP 2023/24 cohort

Girl Child Art Foundation (GCAF) is delighted to share insightful feedback from our recent peer call session on the African Female Mentorship Program (AFAMP), organized by the.

The AFAMP was established to empower and support young African female artists in their journey to success within the creative industry. It serves as an extension of GCAF's existing initiatives, offering additional support beyond our art workshops, exhibitions, and educational programs. This mentorship program provides a safe and accessible space for emerging female artists to nurture their talent and express themselves freely. Through personalized guidance from experienced mentors, participants explore various art forms, contribute to their communities through exhibits, and engage in community events.

The program is tailored to meet the individual needs and aspirations of selected emerging artists, guided by the expertise of our mentors. During our recent session, we were honored to have Mrs. Sandra O, a multifaceted writer, photographer, curator, and award-winning filmmaker, as our guest speaker.

Mrs. Obiago shared invaluable insights with our mentees, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's artistic voice and crafting a compelling art portfolio. She also highlighted the significance of questioning motives and fostering a deep connection with one's work, while also providing practical advice on portfolio presentation and bio authenticity.

The second speaker invited was Mr. Bailey L, a renowned contemporary artist, who shared his perspective on approaching residencies and art pricing. Mr. Ludlow also emphasized the importance of authenticity and collaboration in artistic endeavors, encouraging mentees to explore diverse opportunities worldwide. Regarding art pricing, he advocated for a flexible approach, emphasizing research and consideration of local market dynamics.

During the session, mentees actively engaged with our speakers, asking thoughtful questions like How do you balance staying true to your artistic voice and meeting the expectations of a curated exhibition?

Mrs. Sandra started by stating that maintaining authenticity while meeting curated exhibition expectations was the first thing that should be explored. The Artists were advised to question their motives, ensuring a deeper connection to their work. Examples were given, emphasizing the importance of a curator offering an external perspective without overshadowing the artist's narrative.

The second question was for Mr. L Bailey and it goes What Precautions should be taken for Long-lasting Artwork?

Mr. Bailey advised mentees to be cautious about the mediums, materials, and the brand of paints they use, emphasizing the importance of checking the durability of tools and products.
He further delved into his experiences, discussing the role of philosophy in art and how historical insecurities among Africans about certain art forms have impacted the acceptance and value of artworks.

In conclusion, GCAF would like to express our sincere appreciation to our donors whose generous support made the AFAMP possible. Your generous donations are truly commendable and deeply appreciated.

Peer call 1

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May 22, 2024
Studio Visit with an AFAMP Mentor for the 2023/24

By Janet Ibitayo | Admin Assistant

Studio visit 1

The studio visit with a distinguished mentor of the African Female Artist Mentorship Program (AFAMP), was a truly unique and enriching experience for the mentees. It offered them a rare opportunity to delve into the creative world of a renowned contemporary artist, providing a platform for their artistic growth and development.

The mentor commenced the visit by showcasing a series of works on canvas, each delicately presented on small plates. These pieces served as visual representations of memories associated with food, highlighting culinary experiences' profound impact on individuals. As he stated, "Food is not merely sustenance; it is a repository of memories, emotions, and cultural narratives."

One of the significant highlights of the visit was the mentor's discussion on a commissioned project he undertook in collaboration with a professor from the University of London. Reflecting on the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project delved into the importance of materiality. He shared, "The lockdown prompted contemplation on the significance of materials in our lives, invoking parallels with historical narratives of resilience and adaptation."

The mentor's generous sharing of his artistic journey, from his early post-graduation works to his current portfolio, was a source of great inspiration for the mentees. His words, "My journey is a continuous exploration of self-expression, influenced by personal experiences, and societal dynamics," resonated deeply with them, fueling their own artistic aspirations.

Guiding the mentees through his studio, he told the stories behind each piece, offering context for the creative decisions. His engagement with the mentees was both inspiring and informative, as he had their attention all throughout the visit. As he interacted with them, he emphasized the importance of authenticity in artistic expression, stating, "Art is a reflection of one's innermost thoughts and emotions; it should resonate with sincerity and one's personal experience."

The visit concluded with a thought-provoking discussion on art pricing and artists' challenges in staging solo exhibitions. His insights sparked contemplation among the mentees, encouraging them to navigate the art world with resilience, creativity, and the spirit to never give up.

The studio visit was a transformative experience for the mentees, leaving them with a profound understanding of the intersection of art, memory, experiences, and societal changes. As they reflected on the visit, one mentee shared, "Visiting the artist mentor's studio has not only broadened my perspective on the art world but also equipped me with the knowledge of how to preserve my works and how to value them. I am grateful for this opportunity."

In conclusion, the studio visit was an invaluable learning experience for the mentees, promoting a deeper appreciation for the possibility of change in one's artistic expression.

Studio visit 2

Studio visit 3

Studio visit 4

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