MENTORSHIP YIELDS! El Anatsui Leads New Class Of Rolex Mentors
Every two years since 2002, Rolex - the Swiss luxury watchmaker has paired artists and protégés in an exclusive programme called The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
MENTORSHIP
an enriching dialogue between artists of different generations, cultures and disciplines - ROLEX
Photo: El Anatsui & Bronwyn Katz at his Tema, Ghana Studio. By Tomas Bertelsen/Rolex
Every two years since 2002, Rolex - the Swiss luxury watchmaker has paired artists and protégés in an exclusive programme called The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
The programme seeks out gifted young artists from all over the world and brings them together with artistic masters for a six-week period, to build a one-to-one mentoring relationship where the protégé is granted access to a master at work, or sometimes collaborate on a work.
"The programme has evolved into an enriching dialogue between artists of different generations, cultures and disciplines"
- ROLEX
Past pairings in dance, film, literature, music, theatre, visual arts, architecture and an open category covering interdisciplinary pursuits, have brought together the likes of filmmaker Spike Lee with Kyle Bell, and Architect David Adjaye with Mariam Kamara. Read their stories below.
The new 2022 class, announced on September 9th at The Brooklyn Academy of Music NY, includes renowned Ghanaian sculptor and visual artist El Anatsui, who has had mentorship at the core of his over 6-decade career, guiding Bronwyn Katz - a South African sculptor and visual artist. Anatsui is joined by other notable names like the American jazz singer Dianne Reeves, Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke, British writer Bernardine Evaristo and the French architect Anne Lacaton.
supporting individual excellence
PHOTO: ROLEX
Rolex’s vision to revitalize mentorship in the arts and support individual excellence, reflects not only in their selection of both Master and Protégés, but in also the past and future yields of this programme.
Have you given any thought to mentorship lately? The notion of imparting and sponging knowledge is powerful in of itself. Giver or receiver, it can be a life-changing experience.
Past Mentor and Protégé Parings
Film: Spike Lee & Kyle Bell - Rolex Mentor and Protégé Relating to the experience of Native Americans in his country, Spike Lee chose to mentor Kyle Bell...
Architecture: David Adjaye & Mariam Kamara A visit to Mariam Kamara’s native Niger was the turning point in the relationship between her and...
Visual Arts: Artists in wonderland Year after year, Anish Kapoor, one of the world’s most famous living artists, astonishes the international...
Open Category: Lin-Manuel Miranda & Agustina San Martín Lin-Manuel Miranda and his protégée Agustina San Martín met while he was making his film directorial debut...
Music: Zakir Hussain & Marcus Gilmore “I see him as a bit of a sage. He’s like a kind of Yoda, he really is,” says Marcus Gilmore talking of his ...
Dance: Crystal Pite & Khoudia Touré “If I had to find one word to sum up the last two years, it would be ‘transformation’,” says Khoudia ...
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LUX TERRA TRAINING: An Interfaith Approach To Transforming Nigeria
Lux Terra Foundation played host to 50 administrative and academic staff of the Academy, for a two-day training program on skill acquisition, mechanisms and strategies for Intensifying the Campaign for Integrity among Secondary School students.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“What we want to do is to try and see if we can get more voices involved, in countering corruption.”
Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, E.D LTLF hosts The International Islamic Academy, Madalla
In an era of religious intolerance and heightened sensitivities, it is always refreshing to witness collaborations across creeds. Such was the case on August 29-30, 2022, when Abuja-based Lux Terra Leadership Foundation headed by Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, hosted a training program for staff of International Islamic Academy, Madalla, Niger State.
The Foundation’s Apo location played host to 50 administrative and academic staff of the Academy, for a two-day training program on skills acquisition, mechanisms and strategies for intensifying the Campaign for Integrity among Secondary School students, and more.
The Islamic Academy is one of the four Secondary Schools across the North Central zone of Nigeria that Lux Terra is accompanying very closely in its MacArthur supported Integrity Campaign in the country.
Other elements of this ongoing Lux Terra integrity campaign project include the close accompanying of an Islamic religious community in Niger State, and a Christian religious community in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Lear more about the Integrity Campaign and other training programs at Lux Terra
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U.S STATE DEPT ANNOUNCES COLIN POWELL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Colin Powell Leadership Program will provide paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who are enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education.
Africa-Related New York
“diversity is a source of strength, it is a source of our success”
Photo: U.S State Dept website
In support of the Secretary’s modernization agenda, the U.S. Department of States announced the new Colin Powell Leadership Program to further advance the Department’s commitment and efforts to hire a workforce representative of all segments of society. The program will provide individuals the opportunity to pursue careers at the Department of State.
Colin Powell understood that diversity “is a source of strength, it is a source of our success,” and exemplified his leadership values—both as a general and as Secretary of State — by putting people first. The Colin Powell Leadership Program recruits highly motivated candidates from a variety of backgrounds who aspire to and possess the potential to become future civil service leaders at the U.S. Department of State.
This program will provide paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who are enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education. Both paths may lead to full-time employment opportunities at the Department and are focused on developing future leaders through training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience to provide them with the skills, tools, and resources needed for long-term success at the Department.
Internship opportunities will be in the Social Science Student Trainee (0199) and Administration and Office Support Student Trainee (0399) series. Fellowship opportunities will be in the Foreign Affairs (0130) and Management Analysis (0343) series. Applicants will apply via USAJobs and the first vacancy announcement is tentatively scheduled for mid to late September 2022. Subsequent announcements will be held annually in the spring. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and retain a secret or top-secret clearance. All positions will be located in the Washington, D.C. area.
To be eligible for the Colin Powell Leadership Internship Program, applicants must either be an enrolled or current student, on a part-time or full-time basis, pursuing their bachelor’s degree in a qualifying post-secondary educational program. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0 is required. The duration of the internship program will be determined by the participant’s anticipated graduation date and may not exceed four years from the initial appointment to the program.
Applicants for the Colin Powell Leadership Fellowship Program must have received a baccalaureate or graduate degree within the last two years with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0. The fellowship program is a one-year paid developmental program.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit here
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SCHOLARSHIP NOTICE FOR US-BASED FOREIGN JOURNALISTS
The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA) offers scholarship to journalists
Are you a foreign journalist currently studying for a Master’s Degree in the U.S? Here is a scholarship opportunity for you.
Scholarship opportunity: The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA) provides annual scholarships to professional foreign journalists who are currently enrolled in any full-time master's level program of any U.S.- based academic institution. More information can be found here:
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El Anatsui's 'THREE ANGLES' Opens Carnegie International's 57th Edition
Ahead of the opening of the 57th Edition of The Carnegie International, which opens on October 13, 2018 , acclaimed sculptor EL Anatsui was in Pittsburgh PA for the installation of his most recent piece 'Three Angles', which covers the facade of the Carnegie Museum of Art.
Oyiza Adaba - Pittsburgh, PA
The Artist, EL Anatsui in front of Carnegie Museum of Art facade.
““It feels like an opening on the museum wall to the sky.””
Ahead of the opening of the 57th Edition of The Carnegie International, which opens on October 13, 2018 , acclaimed sculptor El Anatsui was in Pittsburgh PA for the installation of his most recent piece 'Three Angles', which covers the facade of the Carnegie Museum of Art.
Joining him at the pre-opening reception hosted by the museum was Pittsburgh-based Architect and Sculptor Dee Briggs, who fabricated the piece by galvanizing 21 young men and women of various ages from her Wilkinsburg community to work on it, over a five month period.
The piece combines aluminum printing plates sourced locally in Pittsburgh with metal (bottle caps) from Nsukka, and embeds 'triangular/meeting point/mirror' themes throughout. It will be the first time the artist has combined manpower and material across the continents to conceptualize and fabricate a piece.
"It feels like an opening on the museum wall to the sky", exclaimed Puala, a passerby who stopped to admire the hanging piece.
El Anatsui is one of 32 artists and collectives invited to participate in this prestigious art event, which takes place every 5 years. The exhibition is open through March 25, 2019.
DELA: The Making of El Anatsui is a biographical documentary about one of the world's greatest sculptors.
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Opening: Builders Hub Community Learning & Resource Centre
Builders Hub Foundation founded by Barrister Natasha Akpoti commissioned the first learning centre to serve schools in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
Okehi L.G.A, Kogi State, Nigeria
Photos by Africa-Related
Barr. Natasha Akpoti of Builders Hub Foundation surrounded by the school children who benefited from the program. (Africa-Related)
Builders Hub Foundation, founded by Barrister Natasha Akpoti commissioned the first learning centre to serve schools in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The mission is to promote literacy through tutoring, workshops, skills development and ICT in these underserved communities. Additional support came from The Dangote Foundation, National Inland Waterways Authority and Lantern Books. Donations continue to pour in.
The Centre is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Jimoh Akpoti, whose selfless service still impacts the people today.
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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Builder's Hub Impact Investment Program - Creativity & Collaboration
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ONE DAY SEMINAR FOR ENTREPRENEURS.
OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ONE DAY SEMINAR FOR ENTREPRENEURS.
THEME: CREATIVITY and COLLABORATION:
Key for Successful Entrepreneurship Growth in Nigeria’s Ecosystem.
VENUE: ABUJA ENTERPRICE AGENCY
DATE: JAN 19, 2017 @ 10:00am.
We herein appreciate all participating agencies and participants. The success of this seminar could not have been possible without your immense contributions to this seminar.
This communiqué has been compiled using a feedback questionnaire of start-up and existing enterprises whose participation was upon a carefully selected nationwide application process aimed at forging an interaction amongst stakeholders in the Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The general overview and concerns captured below are based solely on the information provided by the participating government agencies and institutions duly represented.
Abuja Enterprises Agency
All participants (private and public) were appreciative of AEA’s generosity in hosting the event free of charge. Mr. Chudi Ezerigwe explained the functions the agency proffered to MSMEs particularly those situated in the Federal Capital Territory while extending reassuring words of encouragement to every enterprise. However,
1. 90% of the participants residing in Abuja herad about AEA for the first time. More effective presence needed especially at the Micro levels.
2. 70% wanted AEA to liaise with SMEDAN on regional and state engagements for more impact
3. More information and continuous information will be needed about AEA on radios and in local dialects. This is because most MSMEs are located in the outskirts of town and where print media isn’t as available and effect as their radio stations.
SMEDAN
That Dr. Friday Okpara of SMEDAN spoke quite interestingly on the established responsibilities of the agency as it relates relevantly to the growth of Small and Medium enterprises but 80% noted that;
1. SMEDAN is not an effective one-stop-shop able to cater to their start up and business scaling needs. Meaning that, they are further referred to other agencies for e g funding, certification etc. 100% wanted more effectiveness at regional levels.
2. SMEDAN should incorporate Micro businesses in their schedule of activities
3. SMEDAN is too important to be too distant from the grassroot enterprises. Regional and state offices must be more effective.
4. SMEDAN should liaise better with all other agencies and collate all MSME offers for easy dissemination.
5. More sensitization for start-ups and existing entrepreneurs needed nation-wide.
CAC
That Hajiya Hafsat Denge of Sokoto CAC brought to light good initiatives CAC implemented to ease the means of ‘new business registration; however 72% of the participants were of the view that;
1. 10,000 naira for Business name and Company registration is still too expensive for Mirco and Small businesses.
2. Fee waivers for other corporate filings and certifications should be considered for the Micro and Small businesses.
3. To embark on impactful awareness programs to inform the general public about the various rates of the agency’s services and general procedures; the absence of which leaves room for fraudsters.
Growth and Employment
Participants were extremely impressed with the Project Coordinator, Mr. Y.S. Labaran’s lectures on GEM grant and capacity building initiatives but 100% think that:
1. With the high percentage of start-ups in Nigeria, GEM should broaden their acceptance criteria to include start-ups. The 6 months and 5 staff workforce minimum requirement is too stringent.
2. That there should be more awareness created on the GEM program nationwide. 3. As GEM rounds up operations in a year, are there follow up plans?.
Nigeria Export Promotion Council
Director, Barrister George Enyiekpon’s thorough briefing of NEPC role and incentives towards promoting export of Nigerian made goods was highly appreciated by all participating enterprises. However, 90% opined that:
1. NEPC should conduct more grassroot awareness, as lessons on export preparedness need to be learned from the early stages of business.
2. NPEC should aggressively promote the acceptability of Nigerian made goods in foreign lands. Exhibitions and adverts would go a long way.
3. Hands-on capacity building programs must run frequently and regionally for better understanding on product quality, packaging etc necessary for the international markets.
4. NEPC should form strategic alliances with foreign countries and organizations geared towards promoting trade from African countries such as AGOA, Fairtrade, CBI etc and make such information available to the Mirco and Small businesses at the grassroots level.
Bank of Industry
Mr. Tolulope Toluwase of BOI’s presentation was very informative and easy to digest by 100% of the participants. However;
1. The “single digit” 9% interest rate was not feasible for Micro and Small businesses. On the average, participants opted for 3% as an acceptable interest rate.
2. In line with the current high number of start-ups, BOI should consider conducting more business management workshops nationwide possibly in each state on a continuous basis.
3. Cash and tools/ workshop financing packages should consider start-ups.
4. BOI should interact more with SMEDAN and other capacity building service providers.
National Board for Technology Incubation
The impressive presentation of the DG, Dr. Jibrin was appreciated by all participants. However;
1. 100% of participants were not aware of NBTI’s existence. This is a huge problem.
2. That NBTI should be more present in the lives of businesses at ALL levels by establishing business Incubation centres in each state and specialized Incubation centres regionally.
3. A lot of sensitization of NBTI’s functions should be aired on electronic media especially radio in local dialect for grassroot reach out.
4. To liaise more with SMEDAN and other private and public service providers.
Standard Organisation of Nigeria
Mrs. Usoso Uduak gave an enlightening overview of SON’s function and certification support activities. All Participants were greatly impressed with the responsive initiatives set anew by the DG Mr. Osita Aboloma, however;
1. 90% of the participants were not aware of the incentives such as reduced certification rate, 50% waiver of laboratory fees etc. More awareness needed.
2. SON should create a booklet of Nigerian own standards serving her unique products such as palm wine, canned pepper soup, Kunu shakes, natural herbs etc.
3. 95% were worried about the certification bureaucracies setting Ghana, Kenya and Ethiopia as examples for an easier product certification serving export markets.
4. 100% asked for greater awareness at state levels since that’s where most Micro and Small businesses reside.
5. SON should liaise better with NEPC and NAFDAC to avoid process duplication.
6. Micro business and corporative should have special services. They are the most vulnerable.
7. Training seminars and workshops should be frequently conducted around Nigeria.
8. Mores responsive to start-ups and better feedback to the general public is needed frequently.
NAFDAC
Participating entrepreneurs appreciated the information shared with them by Mr. Bashir, but;
1. 100% are of the opinion that a dedicated MSME section should be created as they make up more than 70% of the business population.
2. Certification requirements are not realistic for Micro and Small businesses. N10,500 inspection fee, 21,000 laboratory test per product, 21,000 certificate issuance fee etc is too expensive.
3. The demand for modern equipment to be used for the production of indigenous local products is worrisome. To capture the essence and flavour of tradition, hygienic old methods must be permitted.
4. NAFDAC should consider relying on SON’s product laboratory test where applicable to avoid double dipping of costs.
5. There should be real time grassroot interactions between Micro and Small enterprises and NAFDAC.
6. Liaise with SMEDAN, NBTI, NOA and other relevant agencies.
7. Effective awareness creating seminars and capacity building workshops are needed nationwide and very often. Use electronic media to educate the public in local dialects.
BHIIP
There was tremendous applause to BHIIP for its efforts in conducting such an engaging and interactive seminar which brought together under one roof, many regulatory agencies, business support institutions and enterprises of all facets to learn and brainstorm on how to strengthen through creativity and collaboration, the Nigerian’s ecosystem.
1. That BHIIP should ensure follow up with all regulatory agencies to ensure their concerns are adequately captured and implemented for the overall success of businesses in Nigeria.
2. BHIIP should conduct more of such seminars not only in awareness creation but also capacity building.
3. The free seminar encouraged participation of financially struggling start-ups. This free education must be encouraged nationwide for an effective grass root impact.
4. That BHIIP should serve as a bridge in forging a healthier entrepreneurial ecosystem with special input from the Mirco and Small businesses to promote effective bottom-top holistic framework in relation to funding, standards, knowledge and market.
5. There was an overwhelming agreement on the suggestion that BHIIP should be a private liaison body between the enterprises and the government agencies and business supporting institutions. Here, information regarding all manners of funding options, certifications, trainings and seminars would be obtained under one roof. This shall also be a channel where real-time service and need feedback shall be disseminated.
BHIIP’S IMPLEMENTATIONS
We acknowledge that positive impact cannot happen in isolation, it requires a collective action of all the stakeholders working together in harmony. Therefore, in line with the aforementioned observations and concerns, BHIIP shall establish an Enterprise Builder Hub, which shall serve as a network where entrepreneurs connect with systems and programs to critically think, communicate, create and collaborate their businesses into success.
Enterprise Builders Hub shall be an innovation lab, business incubator, and market generator for Nigerian made goods and services. To this, we shall encourage membership from start-ups and existing entrepreneurs to effectively benefit from our unique ecosystem of resources, inspiration and collaboration opportunities amongst themselves and agency stakeholders.
BHIIP is already in partnership with SMEDAN, being the foremost government body promoting enterprise growth. We are in the process of finalizing a partnership with AEA and will require to partner with all other agencies and institutions relevant to catalysing impact in the entrepreneurs ecosystem.
We at BHIIP believe that a better world evolves through the combined accomplishments of committed and compassionate people focused on a common vision – to promote entrepreneurial development and industrialization of our country Nigeria.
Signed By Participants
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Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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Highlights of Anya Fụlụ Ugo 2015
An Interdisciplinary African Arts Conference in honour of El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu that took place at the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. The maiden edition was held in honour of Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu.
By oyiza adaba - Africa-Related, Nigeria
Faculty of Arts Complex, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Photo: Africa-Related
anya fụlụ ugo jaa ya mma, na-adi afụ ugo kwa daa
- the eye that sees an eagle should adore it, for only rarely are eagles seen -
Video Courtesy of Africa-Related
Interdisciplinary African Arts Conference of the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria in honour of El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu
Theme: African Art and Artists after the Millennial Turn
Venue: Princess Alexandria Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Date: 24-27 June 2015
This conference adopts an interdisciplinary approach to the discourse of the current state of art and artists in Africa and in the African Diaspora. It is our tribute to two important global artists associated with the Faculty of Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, whose work over the past four decades demonstrates the multiple layers of critical, historical, and other narrative contexts that African art engenders today. Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu are acclaimed for creating a respectable body of works that have grown to defy any marginal critical or historical narrative - a microcosm of the form and content of African art today.
The four-day even was attended by artists and educators from various countries including UK, Spain, The United States, Germany etc. The program was packed with activities such as breakout sessions, art exhibitions, guided tours etc.
The broad theme of the conference, “African Art and Artists after the Millennial Turn” proposes an interdisciplinary approach to the discourse of the current state of art and artists in Africa and in the African Diaspora. Under the banner “Anya Fulu Ugo”, this maiden edition was held in honour of Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu.
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El Anatsui & Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Induction Ceremony To American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AMACAD) inducted 204 new members at Havard University Cambridge on October 10 & 11, 2014 . They include some of the world’s most accomplished scholars, scientists, writers, artists, and civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders.
OYIZA ADABA - Cambridge, MA
Photos by Africa-RelATD
Letters of Acceptance line up the halls of The American Academy of Arts & Sciences at Havard University, Cambridge, MA.
El Anatsui & Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Induction Ceremony to The American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AMACAD) inducted 204 new members at Havard University Cambridge on October 10 & 11, 2014 . They include some of the world’s most accomplished scholars, scientists, writers, artists, and civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders. Two prominent Africans were also on the list - novelist & playwright Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o for Literary Criticism from University of California, Irvine; and former Professor of Arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka El Anatsui as a Foreign Honorary Member in Visual Arts Criticism and Practice.
NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS, APRIL 2014
TOTAL: 204
FELLOWS: 188
FOREIGN HONORARY MEMBERS: 16
EL Anatsui & Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o Inducted
Since its founding in 1780, The Academy has served as a champion of scholarship, civil dialogue, and useful knowledge. As one of the country's oldest learned societies and independent policy research centers, the Academy convenes leaders from the academic, business, and government sectors to respond to the challenges facing the United States and the rest of the world.
AMACAD’s membership encompasses over 4,600 Fellows and 600 Foreign Honorary Members; and reflects the full range of disciplines and professions including mathematics, physical and biological sciences, medicine, social sciences and humanities, business, government, public affairs, and the arts. Among the Academy's Fellows are more than 250 Nobel laureates and 60 Pulitzer Prize winners. The strength of the Academy lies in the intellectual leadership of its members and the wide range of expertise they bring to its studies and publications.
Letters of Acceptance Class of 2014
Past inductees include Nelson Mandela (2009), Albert Einstein (1924), Martin Luther King Jnr (1966), Bill Clinton (2006), Quincy Jones (2001), Thomas Jefferson (1987), Al Pacino (2014), George Washington (1781), Colin Powell (2009), Alan Alda (2006), Paul McCartney (2012), T.S Eliot (1954), Emmylou Harris (2009), Joan Miro (1961) and many more.
DELA: The Making of El Anatsui is a biographical documentary about one of the world's greatest sculptors. .
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