ACCESSHOLDINGS,ARTXCOLLECTIVETOINSPIREAFRICA’sEMERGING TALENT WITH THE ACCESS ART X PRIZE 2023
Access Holdings, a trailblazing financial institution, and ART X Collective, a
leading cultural enterprise, have announced commencement of the highly anticipated entry call
for the Access ART X Prize 2023.
Theapplications,whichbecameopentothepubliconWednesday,September20,2023will
run through Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Entries will be exclusively available for submission
at ARTXLAGOS.COM/PRIZE.Throughthe2023edition,ARTXCollectiveandAccess
Holdingswillbeempoweringemergingartistsbyselectingtwooutstandingtalents,each
receiving a healthy $10,000 grant towards an exhibition at ART X Lagos 2024.
AimedatfosteringcreativityandelevatingemergingtalentacrossAfrica,thetransformative
opportunity will see the Nigerian winner embark on a 3-month residency at Gasworks, London,
while the African/Diasporan winner will participate in a 3-month residency at Yinka Shonibare’s
GAS Foundation in Lagos. Both recipients will also receive personalised mentorship support, a
hallmarkofthepartners’sharedcommitmenttonurturingartisticgrowth,andprovidingan
invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange.
Speaking on the initiative’s essence, Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director of Access
Holdings Plc, said, “Access Holdings is proud to, once again, champion the Access ART X
Prize, a beacon of support for emerging African artists. We believe in the transformative power
ofarttoshapeculture,fosterdiversity,drivemeaningfulchange,andinfluencetheglobal
perception of our continent.
“The Access ART X Prize is, however, not just about recognising talent; it is about empowering
thenextgenerationofAfricanartiststotelltheirstoriesandinspiretheworld.Throughthis
initiative,wereaffirmourcommitmenttonurturingcreativityanddrivingthegrowthofthe
African art industry, fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all,” Wigwe added.
Sinceitsinceptionin2016,theAccessARTXPrizehasilluminatedthepathsofearlycareer
artists,providingthemwithdiverseopportunitiestoshowcasetheirtalents.Inawatershed
momentlastyear,theAccessARTXPrizetranscendeditsNigerianrootsandexpandedits
horizonstoencompassearly-careerartistsfromacrosstheAfricancontinentanditsdiaspora.
Thisgroundbreakingmovewasinspiredbyaprofounddedicationtofosteringinclusivityand
diversitywithintheAfricanartsceneaswellasfacilitatingcross-culturalexchange.Theresult
was a celebrationof remarkable talent,with the 2022Access ARTX Prize proudlyawarded to
twoexceptionaltalents:DafeOboro(NigerianPrize-winner)andBelindaKazeem-Kamiński
(Africa/Diaspora Prize-winner).
Therigorousevaluationprocessforsubmissionsbyearly-careerartistsisoverseenbya
distinguishedpanelofrenownedartistsandculturalpractitioners.Theseexpertswillbe
assessing creativity, originality, andtechnical skill with meticulous care, ensuring thatthe most
exceptional talents rise to the top.
The Access ART X Prize 2023 will be judged by an esteemed jury which includes Babajide
Adeniyi-Jones (Photographer), Barthélémy Toguo (Artist), Daudi Karungi (Founder, Afriart
Gallery), Emeka Ogboh (Artist), Gabi Ngcobo (Artist and Curatorial Director, University of
Pretoria), and Yesomi Umolu (DirectorofCuratorialAffairsandPublicPractice,Serpentine
Galleries). The curator of the 2023 edition is the highly regarded Jumoke Sanwo.
Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder and CEO of ART X Collective said:
“Wearehonouredtohave suchadiverseandexperiencedjuryfortheAccessARTXPrize
2023. Their expertise and perspectives will ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of the
submissions,ultimatelybolsteringthisexceptionalplatformforearlycareerartiststo
showcase their work and engage in meaningful dialogue with the global art community.
WeareproudofourcontributiontothevisualartlandscapeacrossNigeria,Africaandthe
Diaspora,overthepastsevenyears,andremainsteadfastinourcommitmenttopropelour
artists forward,to liveouttheir potentialas narrativechangemakers forour continentand for
its culture. Through the creation and production of initiatives such as the Access ART X Prize,
andourflagshipartfair,ARTXLagos,ourorganisationseeksconsistentlytochampionthe
redefinition of the narrative about our continent, and its people.
WewouldliketothankAccessHoldings,whichhasconsistentlystoodwithusaswehave
strivedtopromoteandelevatethenextgenerationofAfricanartists.Theircommitmentto
fosteringcreativityandprovidingpivotalopportunitiesforartists,isinvaluableindrivingthe
growth and development of the African art industry.”
For more information on the Access ART X Prize, please visit ARTXLAGOS.COM/PRIZE.
