African artist Yinka Shonibare channels funds from art sales towards philanthropic ventures, aiming to contribute positively to the continent.

African artist Yinka Shonibare channels funds from art sales towards philanthropic ventures, aiming to contribute positively to the continent.

Yinka Shonibare's G.A.S. Foundation Empowering African Artists

Yinka Shonibare's Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation, based in Nigeria, is dedicated to facilitating international cultural exchange and supporting mid-career artists and curators across Africa. As a charity, the G.A.S. Foundation promotes cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration, reaching beyond Nigeria's borders [1].

The foundation has undertaken initiatives such as Re:assemblages, a program developed jointly with the Yinka Shonibare Foundation. This project supports curatorial and archival work showcasing African art narratives [5]. Another notable initiative is the Re: assemblages multiyear cultural development program, focused on the preservation and creative potential of African art libraries.

The G.A.S. Foundation also provides support for mid-career artists and curators by creating platforms and networks that enable these professionals to exhibit their work internationally and engage with broader art communities. Artists like Amanda Iheme, a 2024 honoree of the G.A.S. Fellowship Award, have found the award affirming and validating [6].

The G.A.S. Foundation has two facilities: the G.A.S. Lagos Residency and the G.A.S. Farm House residency [2]. These residencies offer artists the opportunity to expand their research skills, as demonstrated by Amanda Iheme, who used her residency to broaden her artistic horizons [3]. Malagasy artist Joey Aresoa, who will be in residency later this year, will also benefit from this international opportunity, marking her first international residency [4].

Yinka Shonibare finds fulfilment in supporting artists in Nigeria and across Africa. The funds for the G.A.S. Foundation come from the sales of his art [7]. The partnership between G.A.S. Foundation and Fondation H, established by French-Malagasy collector and businessman Hassanein Hiridjee, further supports the foundation's mission [8].

Gus Casely-Hayford OBE considers Yinka Shonibare's work enormously important for helping craft a detailed understanding of Africa's past and shaping it [9]. Ugochukwu-Smooth Nzewi, an art historian and curator, considers Yinka Shonibare one of the most perceptive artists of the 21st Century [10].

The digital interface of "The African Library" features biographies of individuals who helped shape postcolonial Africa in languages including Malagasy. "The African Library," by Yinka Shonibare, is now part of Fondation H's permanent collection, showcasing the impact of the foundation's work [11].

In April 2011, Yinka Shonibare visited Lagos, Nigeria for a talk and potential show, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to the continent's artistic scene [12]. The local launch of the G.A.S. Foundation was held in 2022, with the announcement of the G.A.S. Fellowship Award [13].

Joey Aresoa, a Malagasy artist, will interact with "the most interesting and challenging people" during her residency, which will change her as an artist [4]. The G.A.S. Foundation serves as a cultural bridge, fostering artistic development and international exposure for African artists, underpinned by Yinka Shonibare's vision to support and connect the continent’s creative scene globally [1][5].

1. Yinka Shonibare's Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation, with a focus on contemporary African art, aims to facilitate international cultural exchange and support mid-career artists and curators.
2. The Re:assemblages program, a collaborative effort between Yinka Shonibare Foundation and G.A.S., showcases African art narratives through curatorial and archival work.
3. Artists like Amanda Iheme are afforded the opportunity to broaden their artistic horizons through residencies offered by the G.A.S. Foundation, which provides support for mid-career artists.
4. Malagasy artist Joey Aresoa, during her upcoming residency, will experience change and growth as an artist through engaging with diverse art communities.
5. The G.A.S. Foundation, in pursuit of its mission, fosters artistic development and international exposure for African artists, acting as a cultural bridge that underpins Yinka Shonibare's vision of connecting the continent's creative scene globally.
6. Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare draws fulfillment from supporting artists across Africa, with the foundation's funds stemming from the sales of his artwork.
7. Gus Casely-Hayford OBE considers Yinka Shonibare's work vital for crafting a detailed understanding of Africa's past and shaping its future.
8. Ugochukwu-Smooth Nzewi, an art historian and curator, recognizes Yinka Shonibare as one of the most perceptive artists of the 21st Century.
9. "The African Library," a digital interface featuring biographies of individuals who contributed to postcolonial Africa, is now part of Fondation H's permanent collection, showcasing the impact of the G.A.S. Foundation's work.
10. In 2022, the local launch of the G.A.S. Foundation took place, with the announcement of the G.A.S. Fellowship Award, furthering its commitment to empowering African artists and facilitating cultural exchange. Artist relationships, travel, education, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden can all be enriched as a result of increased exposure to African art.

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