The Guardian (Nigeria)

Madhouse Lifts Youths Creativity With Lens- based Incubator Programme

- Adelowo Adebumiti

MAdhouse by Tikera Africa has unveiled its pioneering cohort, the LensBased Incubator Programme ( LENSBIP).

LENSBIP, which is its first incubation programme, is dedicated to fostering talents of digital artists, filmmakers, animators, photograph­ers, and creators working in lensbased mediums. The programme attracted over 500 applicatio­ns from across Africa, United Kingdom and America. After a rigorous selection process, 20 exceptiona­l creatives emerged as the programme’s inaugural cohort.

Speaking at the ceremony, which held recently at the Madhouse building on the University of Lagos premises, founder of Madhouse, Bayo Omoboriowo, underscore­d the transforma­tive power of the LENSBIP programme, envisionin­g it as a catalyst for shaping a new narrative for Africa through the lens.

He said: “Our objective is to ignite a fresh discourse on Africa by empowering visionary artists who challenge convention­s through their profound lens- based expression­s. Through financial support, mentorship, and knowledge investment, we aim to cultivate sustainabl­e creative industries globally.”

At the event, the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade T. Ogunsola, in collaborat­ion with MADHouse, launched the Young Creators Programme, which is designed for university students and scheduled to run during academic holidays.

Emphasisin­g the importance of self- representa­tion in shaping African narratives, Ogunsola said: “If Africa is truly going to be itself then it has to come from our selfexpres­sions.”

The unveiling ceremony provided a platform for the cohort members to share their creative visions and experience with the programme. Ayomitunde Adeleke, one of the participan­ts mentioned that he sees Madhouse as a community of people trying to help creatives scale their ideas and bring them to life.

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