Cart
0
This Week in Art: Power, Progress, and Purpose Across Africa
This week, EBUBAY’s News Recap delivers a distilled look at the most significant developments shaping African art and culture. Consider it your focused alternative to information overload, a reliable guide to what is happening, and how it connects to the growing global presence of contemporary African creativity. Join our community of collectors, artists, and cultural advocates and stay connected with the pulse of the continent’s creative energy.
Uganda Commits Major Funding to the Creative Economy
The Ugandan government has announced a bold investment in its creative sector, allocating 66 billion shillings in the 2025 to 2026 national budget. This funding is part of a larger 835.98 billion shilling envelope dedicated to science, innovation, technology, and culture. The initiative will support infrastructure projects, youth employment, and the expansion of a revolving fund for artists, which now totals 23 billion shillings. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a permanent creative arts hub and strengthen protections for intellectual property. This commitment marks a pivotal step in formalizing the role of arts and culture in Uganda’s economic and social development.
Abuja Hosts Cross-Cultural Exhibition: "New Gate"
The Pakistan High Commission in Abuja recently unveiled "New Gate," a collaborative art exhibition featuring both Nigerian and Pakistani artists. Open to the public through early July, the exhibition presents a compelling exchange of cultural narratives and visual expression. It highlights the growing role of Abuja as a platform for international artistic collaboration and underscores the power of art in fostering mutual understanding across borders.
University of Johannesburg Announces 2026 Artist Residency
Applications are now open for the University of Johannesburg’s 2026 Artists-in-Residence program. The initiative invites both emerging and established artists from across Africa and the diaspora to undertake practice-based research in disciplines such as visual art, literature, film, theater, design, and music. Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of 10,000 rand for up to one year, with two-year options available for literary and film projects. Artists may participate either remotely or on campus, although in-person studio space is limited. Applications close on July 31, 2025, and final decisions will be announced by November.
Museum of West African Art to Open in Benin City
The Museum of West African Art, located in Benin City, is set to open to the public on November 11, 2025. Designed by internationally recognized architect David Adjaye, the museum spans 4,500 square meters and includes conservation laboratories, exhibition galleries, performance venues, artist studios, and a rainforest-inspired installation. Its inaugural exhibition, "Nigeria Imaginary: Homecoming," builds on the narrative presented at the Nigerian Pavilion during the 2024 Venice Biennale. The exhibition will feature renowned artists such as Kelani Abass and Ngozi-Omeje Ezema. With an Artist Council now in place to guide long-term programming, MOWAA aims to redefine the global perception and stewardship of African art.
EBUBAY × RedM Art Contest: Amplifying Voices Through Art
In partnership with RedM, EBUBAY has launched an open call for emerging Nigerian artists to create powerful works that confront the issue of human trafficking. Artists are invited to submit original pieces measuring sixteen by twenty inches in painting or mixed media. The top four submissions will receive cash prizes ranging from one hundred thousand to two hundred fifty thousand naira and will be featured in a charity auction and exhibition hosted by RedM in Houston, Texas.
Entries are judged through a combination of public voting on EBUBAY’s Instagram page and evaluation by a professional jury. This initiative not only offers financial support and international visibility but also elevates art as a tool for advocacy and awareness.
Submissions close August 11, 2025.
For full contest details and submission instructions, please visit EBUBAY’s Instagram.
Conclusion
Each of these stories reflects the expanding infrastructure, institutional support, and international opportunities available to African artists today. From state-level investment in Uganda to global exhibitions and academic platforms, the momentum in African art is undeniable. EBUBAY’s ongoing work, including our collaboration with RedM, seeks to further this momentum by spotlighting voices that challenge, inspire, and transform.
Explore more at ebubay.com and follow us on Instagram to stay informed, discover new artworks, and support the future of contemporary African art. Let art speak. Let it lead. Let it transform.
Recent Post
