Julius Agbaje and Asmaa Jama Emerge Winners At 2023 Access Art X Prize

Following careful consideration, Julius Agbaje (Nigeria) and Asmaa Jama (African/Diasporan category) emerged as outstanding talents from a shortlist of finalists. The announcement was made at Access Holdings’ headquarters in Lagos, with the winners promised $10,000 grants towards solo exhibitions at ART X Lagos 2024, a platform to showcase their evolving artistic narratives and ideas. Additional benefits include a three-month residency at Gasworks, London for the Nigerian winner, and a residency at Lagos-based Yinka Shonibare’s GAS Foundation for the African/Diasporan winner. The recipients will enjoy tailored mentorship and an invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange.

Before the announcement of winners, the finalists participated in a two-day “Finalist Forum”, during which they were equipped with essential presentation skills and artistic insights. Included in this immersive experience were interactive workshops, experts, and peer review opportunities, all under the tutelage of esteemed facilitators and industry experts. The finalists presented their work to the Prize Jury who then chose the best as overall winners.

Selecting the winners was a challenging task for the Jury, considering the exceptional level of talent on display, as they also gave honorable mentions to Roanna Tella (Nigerian category) and Lawrence Mwangi (African/Diaspora category) who will receive a $2,000 prize and tailored mentorship.

“Our vision to showcase the depth and diversity of contemporary African art to the world revealed a critical necessity, which was the need to nurture and guide emerging talent on the continent to ensure their lasting impact,” Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, founder of ART X Collective, stated at the event. “The birth of the Access ART X Prize was fuelled by an ardent commitment to bridging the gap for early-career artists, empowering them to evolve into adept, globally relevant creatives.”

The Founder further expressed excitement: “We are elated that this platform has endured and thrived over the years, marked by substantial growth. The increasing number of annual applications underscores both the vital need for our support and the tangible impact we are having. None of this would be possible without the invaluable support of our sponsor, Access Holdings, who has trusted us and supported our vision for the past eight years.”

Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, added: 

“At Access Holdings, we view the Access ART X Prize as more than an accolade; rather, as a catalyst for change. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to foster creativity and propel the African art industry towards unprecedented heights. 

“The Prize also embodies a promise that we will continue to support and nurture the burgeoning talents in Africa; foster diversity, inclusivity, and cross-cultural exchange within the African art scene, and deepen collaborations with partners that bring us closer towards our vision of shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”

In 2022, the Access ART X Prize broadened its scope to include artists outside Nigeria. This new development brought about a better atmosphere for fostering diverse creativity and amplifying the voices of emerging talents across the African continent. Over 3,500 applicants from different countries around the world entered the 2023 edition during the 4-week application window. The surge in applications attests to the growing impact of the Access ART X Prize in the art ecosystem and its potential to bring together talents from all over the globe.