Access Holdings Offers $10,000 Grants Each to Two Outstanding Talents  at  ART X Prize 2023

Dike Onwuamaeze

Access Holdings and ART X Collective would provide a grant of $10,000 each to two outstanding talents that would emerge from the Access ART X Prize 2023.

The Group Managing Director of Access Holdings, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, described the grant as a beacon of support for emerging African artists.

According to Wigwe, “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 of art to shape culture, foster diversity, drive meaningful change, and influence the global perception of our continent.

“The Access ART X Prize is, however, not just about recognising talent; it is about empowering the next generation of African artists to tell their stories and inspire the world.

“Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing creativity and driving the growth of the African art industry, fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”

Also, the Founder and CEO of ART X Collective, Ms. Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, said: “We are proud of our contribution to the visual art landscape across Nigeria, Africa and the Diaspora, over the past seven years, and remain steadfast in our commitment to propel our artists forward, to live out their potential as narrative change makers for our continent and for its culture.

“Through the creation and production of initiatives such as the Access ART X Prize, and our flagship art fair, ART X Lagos, our organisation seeks consistently to champion the redefinition of the narrative about our continent, and its people.”

Their views were contained in a joint statement titled, “Access Holdings, Art X Collective to Inspire Africa’s Emerging Talent with the Access Art X Prize 2023,”which was signed by Access Holdings and ART X Collective.

The statement stated that applications for the Access Art X Prize commenced online on September 20, 2023, and closes today, Wednesday, October 18.

It added that “through the 2023 edition, ART X Collective and Access Holdings will be empowering emerging artists by selecting two outstanding talents, each receiving a healthy $10,000 grant towards an exhibition at ART X Lagos 2024.

“Aimed at fostering creativity and elevating emerging talent across Africa, the transformative opportunity will see the Nigerian winner embark on a three-month residency at Gasworks, London, while the African/Diasporan winner will participate in a three-month residency at Yinka Shonibare’s GAS Foundation in Lagos.

“Both recipients will also receive personalised mentorship support, a hallmark of the partners’ shared commitment to nurturing artistic growth, and providing an invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange.”

The statement noted  that since its inception in 2016, the Access ART X Prize has illuminated the paths of early career artists, providing them with diverse opportunities to showcase their talents.

“In a watershed moment last year, the Access ART X Prize transcended its Nigerian roots and expanded its horizons to encompass early-career artists from across the African continent and its diaspora.

“This groundbreaking move was inspired by a profound dedication to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the African art scene as well as facilitating cross-cultural exchange.

“The result was a celebration of remarkable talent, with the 2022 Access ART X Prize proudly awarded to two exceptional talents: Dafe Oboro (Nigerian Prize-winner) and Belinda Kazeem-Kamiski (Africa/Diaspora Prize-winner).”