EU Announces New Support for Nigerian Artists and Culture

The European Union (EU) is initiating new projects and funding opportunities aimed at supporting cultural events, artists, and creative collaborations across Nigeria and Africa. EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, made this announcement on Saturday at the inaugural Lagos Contemporary Circus Festival held at the National Theatre in Lagos.

Mignot stated that the EU is looking to enhance funding for culture, the arts, and the creative economy in light of challenging global conditions. He noted the EU's support for the recent Kano Creative Summit and its partnership with various film festivals in Nigeria.

Additionally, the EU will support the upcoming Lagos Biennial of Contemporary Art in November. Mignot emphasized the importance of cultural partnerships, citing the festival as a platform that united artists from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Switzerland.

Tola Akerele, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the National Theatre, highlighted the potential of contemporary circus to empower Nigerian artists and provide them with opportunities to share their narratives.