The European Union has announced plans to develop fresh projects aimed at empowering artists across Africa and promoting greater collaboration between European and African creatives. This was disclosed by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, at the maiden Lagos Contemporary Circus Festival held in Lagos. The festival, organised by the National Theatre with EU sponsorship, had the theme, ‘Circus in Motion’.
Mignot stated that the world was experiencing troubled times, making increased support for culture and artists necessary. He emphasized the need for more cultural action, not less, and called for more funding for culture, the arts, and the creative economy. According to him, this would help to promote cultural partnerships and support artists across the continent.
The EU Ambassador commended the Lagos Contemporary Circus Festival, describing the performances by Nigerian, Ethiopian, Ivorian, and Swiss artists as international, colourful, and energetic. He noted that the festival demonstrated the value of cultural partnerships and showcased the rich cultural heritage of Africa. The festival was attended by artists and art enthusiasts from across the continent.
The EU has been actively supporting cultural events and artists in Nigeria and Africa. Recently, the EU supported the Kano Creative Summit organised by the National Theatre. The EU is also partnering with film festivals across the country and will support the Lagos Biennial of Contemporary Art in November. These partnerships aim to promote cultural exchange and support artists across the continent.
Mignot revealed that the EU would fund more co-creations through training, workshops, and other forms of artistic exchange. This would help to empower artists across Africa and promote greater collaboration between European and African creatives. The EU is committed to supporting the development of the creative economy in Africa.
The Lagos Contemporary Circus Festival featured performances by artists from different parts of the world. The festival provided a platform for artists to showcase their talents and promote cultural exchange. The EU's support for the festival is part of its efforts to promote cultural partnerships and support artists across the continent.
The EU's new projects aimed at empowering artists across Africa and promoting greater collaboration between European and African creatives are expected to have a positive impact on the creative economy. The projects will provide opportunities for artists to develop their skills and showcase their talents.
Key points
- The European Union is developing new projects to support cultural events and artists across Nigeria and Africa.
- The EU will fund more co-creations through training, workshops, and other forms of artistic exchange.
- The EU's support for cultural events and artists aims to promote cultural partnerships and support the development of the creative economy in Africa.
