Dreams Rekindled for Winners of Art X Prize 2023

Yinka  Olatunbosun 

In step with its annual tradition, Access ART X Prize winners for 2023 have emerged in the two categories. Julius Agbaje won the Nigeria Award while Asmaa Jama won in the Africa/Diaspora category. Drawn from a pool of 3,500 applicants who showcased artistic prowess, vision, and potential for global impact, the winners have joined the league of dreamers whose vision for international recognition have been met with a timely opportunity.

Both awardees will receive $10,000 grants towards solo exhibitions at ART X Lagos 2024, providing them with a platform to showcase their evolving artistic narratives and ideas. Additionally, the Nigerian winner will embark on a three-month residency at Gasworks, London, while the African/Diasporan winner will enjoy a three-month residency at Yinka Shonibare’s GAS Foundation in Lagos. In addition, both recipients will benefit from tailored mentorship and an invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange.

Prior to the announcement in Lagos held at the Access Bank Plc Headquarters in Oniru, the ten finalists participated in a two-day ‘Finalist Forum’ designed to equip them with vital presentation skills and offer valuable artistic insights. This immersive initiative featured a series of interactive workshops, expert and peer review opportunities under the guidance of esteemed facilitators and industry experts. The finalists then presented their work to the Prize Jury, after which the eventual winners were selected.

The 2023 edition of the prize garnered an overwhelming response, with over 3,500 applications received from 40 countries around the world during the 4-week application period. This surge in applications reflects the growing importance of the Access ART X Prize in the art ecosystem and its ability to attract diverse talent from all corners of the globe.

Having faced a challenging task in selecting the winners, given the exceptional level of talent and creativity on display, the jury also selected Roanna Tella (Nigerian category) and Lawrence Mwangi (Africa/Diaspora category) for honourable mentions. Both artists will receive prizes of $2,000 and tailored mentorship.

We also acknowledge the hard work and thank the other finalists Chidimma Nwafor, Chinwe Chigbu and Wale Matuluko for the Nigeria Award and Anne Mutema, Dior Thiam and Edward Prah for the African/Diaspora Award for their participation in this years Prize and wish them the very best in their growing careers.

The Founder and Creative Director, Art X Lagos, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig expressed her appreciation for all who contributed to the success story of the prize.

“We thank the distinguished jury for the 2023 Access ART X Prize which comprised of luminaries such as Babajide Adeniyi-Jones (Documentary Photographer), Barthélémy Toguo (Artist), Daudi Karungi (Founder of Afriart Gallery), Emeka Ogboh (Artist), Gabi Ngcobo (Artist, Educator, and Curatorial Director of the Javett Art Centre), Yesomi Umolu (Director of Curatorial Affairs and Public Practice for the Serpentine Galleries) and Jumoke Sanwo who served as the curator of the prize for the second year running.

“We are grateful to Access Holdings for their continued support and unwavering commitment to foster creativity and propel the African art industry towards unprecedented heights through the Access ART X Prize platform and to our partners, Gasworks, London and Yinka Shonibare’s GAS Foundation in Lagos for the residency programmes that will give our winners the opportunity for cultural exchange and artistic development.”

In her submission, Jumoke Sanwo noted that creativity, originality, artistic technique and approach alongside the quality of representation and the choice of medium were some of the factors used in evaluating the artworks by the jury.

While reacting to the announcement, Toyin Henry-Ajayi, Group. Head, Group Marketing and Retail Analytics, Access Bank Plc remarked that Access Bank is keen on keeping the dreams of artists alive.

“We want to reach every emerging artist out there,” she said. “We want to give them a platform for growth. We are a strong believer in the power off arts in changing the narrative of Africa and its diaspora. We want to give every dreamer the chance to achieve his or her dream.”