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Creative professionals in Kwara State, collaborating with the state government, have initiated a program called Kwara Kre8 aimed at fostering young talents within the community. As stated by the initiators of the program headed by Adebisi Oyelere, this undertaking titled Professionalizing Nigeria’s Creative Sector: Possibilities, Obstacles, and Moral Issues—is set to focus primarily on photographers, filmmakers, social media personalities, content producers, narrators, and more. Oyelere said the programme will focus on creative professionals who leverage the digital space for exhibition, with an emphasis on promoting Kwara State’s culture, creativity, and talent globally. The event is set for June 19 at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, where the statement confirmed that Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, will be present at the first-ever Kwara Kre8. The announcement indicated that the event would include keynote speeches fro...

Banksy has returned... and he / she They might have sailed across the Channel. On Thursday, in an Instagram update, Banksy presented his newest work: a traffic post shaped like a lighthouse shadow accompanied by the phrase "I want to be what you saw in me." The posting lacked both a caption and a location. In less than ten hours after being posted, the image garnered over 500,000 likes. Although Banksy's work often includes satire or social commentary, this latest piece has left enthusiasts puzzled. Perhaps a criticism of government monitoring? Perhaps a reflection on contemporary solitude? Could it be something deeper, a widespread sentiment marked by a hint of sadness? Banksy once again excels at transforming everyday objects into unexpectedly compelling pieces—serving as a powerful reminder that the commonplace items we encounter regularly can hold new significance based on ...

The location of Banksy His most recent magnum opus has finally been unveiled after he had kept its location shrouded in secrecy. Yesterday, the 'guerrilla graffiti artist' shared an image of a lighthouse spray-painted on a beige wall with his 13.2 million followers online. Instagram . The art piece featured the phrase "I want you to be what you saw in me" and in another image, two individuals were spotted strolling by with their dogs. He revealed minimal details about the location this time, fueling speculations about its actual whereabouts globally. It has come to light, however, that this situation is based in Marseille. France - a metropolis boasting a long-standing tradition of street art. London The art dealership MyArtBroker mentioned that the mural is located on Rue Félix Freiger, and it was initially spotted in the vicinity over a week ago. The post on their website stated: "Apart from the aesthetic aspect, the placement of this...

Bernard Maingi, the founder of an art training center in Kibera, alongside Joyce Kimani Each Saturday, kids as young as three years old flock to Bernard Maingi’s art studio located right in the middle of Kibera. Equipped with curiosity, excitement, and an indomitable spirit, they look back on the lessons from the past weekend. As the atmosphere buzzes with innovation, they assemble beside easels, crayons, pencils, sheets of paper, and clay, plunging into vibrant color swaths, detailed drawings, and deeply hued mixtures. In the heart of everything lies a man widely recognized under his creative alias, Nard, an autodidactic visual artist. He has transformed his individual enthusiasm into a strong support system for youth within one of Nairobi's biggest unplanned residential areas. Nard thinks that art serves as more than mere self-expression; it acts as a powerful agent of change. “Art is ...

Whether you're drawn to stunning coastlines, charming urban landscapes, or top-tier dining establishments around the globe, France has it all. It comes as no shock that this favored destination among Europeans is also the most-visited country globally and ranks second for British travelers. Coming in second after Spain The most recent data indicates that approximately 9.2 million British people visit France annually. Nevertheless, the nation is experiencing the impacts. of overtourism In October 2024, France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati proposed adding an extra fee to entries for high-demand sites For individuals who are not from the EU, this includes visits to attractions like the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, and the Musée d'Orsay. In 2022, the Calanques National Park close to Marseille, renowned for its stunning scenery, implemented a regulation restricting daily visitors to Sugiton Cove to just 400 individuals. This measure was aimed at ena...

The European Union’s human rights watchdog (ECRI) has cautioned that law enforcement agencies throughout Europe are still practicing racial profiling. The ECRI reported on Wednesday that this practice continues to occur, where authorities make decisions based on ethnicity, skin color, religious beliefs, or nationality instead of relying on factual information. This issue can be observed during stop-and-search operations as well as at border checkpoints. "Bertil Cottier, who chairs the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), pointed out to Euronews that not even one member state of the Council of Europe can be considered entirely safe from racial profiling," he stated. Concerns over new technologies Specialists have voiced concerns over the police departments' intentions to widely implement facial recognition systems. They argue that proper protections must be established beforehand. Even with the stringent guidelines of the Europe...

A previous Debenham's location has been transformed into a vibrant cultural center. The ground level of the Bedford store, which shut down in May 2021, has been transformed into a visitor info center, gift shop, and ticket booth for the town’s Corn Exchange, signifying the initial stage of the location's renovation plan. Last year, Bedford Borough Council acquired the property, and Conservative Mayor Tom Wootton stated that it was crucial for Bedford to have a presence in the area since it had remained vacant for an extended period. He mentioned that he was hoping the authorities would secure a developer for the remaining part of the site by fall, with development plans expected to be unveiled by year-end. The organization was the favored bidder for the location called Mayes Yard, investing approximately £1.8 million to acquire it in 2024. The statement indicated that this development represented "an additional positive advancement in the revitalization ...

The Lagos State Government reports that it has invested over N8.5 billion in supporting more than 143 cultural festivals, creative programs, and tourism-related projects during the last year. According to Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, this was stated during the 2025 Ministerial Press Conference held on Wednesday. The event marked the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office. Benson-Awoyinka stated that this funding supports the fifth pillar of the administration’s THEMES Plus initiative, where "Entertainment and Tourism" is recognized as a crucial area for expanding the economy, empowering young people, and fostering cultural growth. "The ministry, via the Creative Arts Department, has supported more than 143 festivals, events, and programs since May 2024, allocating roughly N8,475,238,265.00 for this purpose," she stated. She revealed that the ministry prov...

Rainoil Limited has presented a monetary award of N5 million along with a comprehensive scholarship covering education up to the university level to 16-year-old ChineduNwali, recognizing his exceptional artistic portrayal of a Rainoil fueling station. At the Rainoil Summit Station in Asaba, which serves as the capital of Delta State, the Group Managing Director of Rainoil Limited, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, awarded the check to the recipient on Tuesday. He expressed that the corporation takes great pride in the remarkable ingenuity demonstrated by this young individual. He stated, "We are immensely proud of Chinedu's skill. The design he created embodies both the visual essence of Rainoil and the enthusiasm and respect associated with it." It’s uncommon to encounter such remarkable ability in one so young. Our intention was not only to reward him financially but also to assist with his educational journey. Therefore, we are providing a scholarship that w...

Artists and designers require assistance to leave their imprint in the profitable market for toys and other collectibles. As a passionate collector of both modern and contemporary art, Hong Kong-based fintech billionaire Kenneth has made another extravagant purchase: a playful luxury timepiece valued at HK$2 million (approximately US$242,000). The exclusive timepiece from Swiss manufacturer Audemars Piguet showcases Companion, the toy figure characterized by a skull, crossed bones, and gloves, created by American artist Brian Donnelly, widely recognized as Kaws. In 1999, the creator initially transformed their Companion character into collectible toys, which sold out right away. This has since become one of the world’s most prized intellectual properties (IP). Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and developments globally? Find your answers here. SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform offers carefully selected content including explainers, FAQs, analys...

A fresh surge of terror is poised to emerge from under the city's streets. London . Shudder has officially obtained the North American distribution rights for The Creep, an eagerly awaited remake of the 2004 cult horror film Creep. Returning to the unsettling maze of the London Underground, The Creep brings back original director Christopher Smith along with crucial team members from the initial movie, such as cinematographer Danny Cohen and production designer John Frankish. Smith, renowned primarily for his unsettling 2009 movie "Triangle," is poised to reimagine his breakthrough horror work over two decades since its initial release. Headlining the cast is Jasmine Jobson, renowned for her performance in Top Boy, along with seasoned British horror actor Andy Nyman (known for Ghost Stories) and UK rapper Aitch, who will make his acting debut in this film. Deadline reports. Based on the movie's official synopsis, the narrative will delve deep int...

The Lagos State Government, via the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, has invested a total of N8,475,238,265.00 in numerous cultural events and festivals over the course of a single year. The initiative aims to enhance the discovery of local talent, create employment opportunities, and foster an vibrant ecosystem. Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, announced this on Wednesday during her speech at the 2025 Annual Ministerial Press Conference. The event took place at Alausa, Ikeja, coinciding with the governor's Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s second-year anniversary of his second term. Benson-Awoyinka stated that her ministry, via the Creative Arts Department, has supported more than 143 festivals, events, and programs since May 2024, using the allocated funds. She also mentioned that the ministry has provided endorsement letters to approximately 124 creative professionals to assist them in obtaining sponsorships for their res...

Doneva Littlefield, who has been a devoted owner of dogs and cats for years, had often wondered how she would feel about having a monkey as an unusual pet. However, when her acquaintance found themselves unable to cope with two young kangaroos they had purchased last June, she seized the opportunity to welcome them into her care. She had no clue about the situation she was stepping into, and a year later, her pet and her hometown of Durango were affected. Colorado , have repeatedly gone viral internationally. The elderly kangaroo named Irwin, in honor of the famous wildlife presenter Steve, managed to break free from her enclosure two times – each incident was recorded by the police who then safely returned her. The initial incident occurred in October when a bewildered resident made a 911 call after spotting a kangaroo wearing a diaper strolling down the street. Last week, Irwin ran away once more – but was found nearby at a neighbor's place shortly after. Wh...

NATIONAL Arts Merit Awards (Nama) winner for the Best Visual Art Exhibition Admire Kamudzengerere has labelled Cheuka Harare Art Fair, recently held at the Harare Show Grounds, an opportunity for local art lovers and curators to fully explore the abundant cultural diversity in the arts industry. Kamudzengerere, who was a co-organizer, stated that individuals should attend in large groups to back future installations of the art exhibition. He said Harare Agricultural Show Grounds activities usually brought together more than 200 000 people in space of one week and the Cheuka Harare Art fair shared the audience with the giant Nama23 event. The fair is rooted in the Shona word "cheuka", which means reflect, look back or reconsider. This invites us to stop and analyze: to contemplate how far Zimbabwean art has progressed, to value its current state, and to envision ambitiously what lies ahead for it. "Our strategy wasn’t about developing a ...

A French street artist who was handed a three-year jail term in Azerbaijan for tagging the Baku metro has been granted pardon and released, according to an announcement made by French officials on Tuesday. Théo Clerc, who is 38 years old, has come back to France after spending 422 days in custody. This followed his pardon from Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, as mentioned by France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot during a discussion with parliamentarians. In a post made on X, Barrot mentioned that Clerc had returned to France "after being detained for 422 days." He stated: "It is a matter of honor and pride for French diplomacy and its representatives to have relentlessly worked towards his liberation." On her end, Kaja Kallas' team reported that she played a role in the French citizen's liberation by advocating for him during a recent trip to Azerbaijan. According to Kallas, this release "demonstrates the impact of subtle diploma...

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its dedication to establishing the state as the foremost center for culture and entertainment in Africa, having invested over ₦8.4 billion in more than 140 cultural festivals, creative initiatives, and tourist events from May 2024 through May 2025. The disclosure came from the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, at the 2025 Annual Ministerial Press Conference in Lagos. This event took place to celebrate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office reaching its second year. Benson-Awoyinka states that the money was directed through the Ministry’s Creative Arts Division to support an array of initiatives including music performances, movie and style gatherings, visual arts displays, culinary and cultural celebrations, along with business development forums. Her aim, she stated, is to boost economic development, generate employment opportunities, and enhance Lagos’s cultural impact o...

The Coronation Art Gallery was created as a stage aimed at highlighting the exceptional talent of artists from across the continent and fostering significant dialogues around art, prosperity, and heritage. Founded through the forward-thinking guidance of Coronation Group Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the gallery reflects a collective personal and organizational conviction—asserting that art should be experienced, disseminated, and utilized as an influential medium for altering viewpoints and safeguarding cultural legacy. Ever since it first opened, the gallery has organized significant exhibitions that showcase exclusive private collections to the public, giving art enthusiasts an opportunity to interact with pieces they may not typically have access to. What Prompted the Beginning of This Expedition Born from a compelling concept—that African art merits an international platform—the Coronation Art Gallery emerged. Motivated by Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s dedication...