Pawstudios Africa, a Lagos-based incubator center that promotes African storytelling and creativity through various arts and cultural programs, will host Lagos Fringe 2024.
Lagos Fringe is an open access multidisciplinary arts festival where producers, cultural advocates, exhibitors and performers showcase their works to a diverse audience made up of local and international audiences, venue owners, curators and art buyers.
In a statement to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, Pawstudios Africa reaffirmed its commitment to producing influential arts festivals, theater productions and training initiatives that empower and inspire emerging African creatives. The event will take place from November 19 to 24.
Lagos Fringe 2024 emerged following the successful conclusion of the virtual sessions of the Festival Management Residency Program, organized by Pawstudios Africa in collaboration with the British Council.
The organization highlighted that the program will bring together festival directors and cultural leaders from sub-Saharan Africa and Europe to engage in critical debates on festival management, sustainability and cultural diplomacy.
Additionally, Pawstudios Africa said the festival will allow participants to expand virtual residency dialogues, connect with peers and mentors and attend workshops on technology and artificial intelligence for creatives, funding opportunities and festival sustainability.
Pawstudios Africa further emphasized that the program will encourage networking, offer practical workshops, present keynote sessions and strengthen international cultural ties, while promoting innovation within festival management.
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Kenneth Uphopo, Festival Director of Lagos Fringe, highlighted that the program is not just a festival but a platform for creative exchange and empowerment.
He added that by bringing together cultural leaders in Lagos, Pawstudios Africa is positioning African festivals as incubators of innovation and change on the global stage, making audiences feel part of a broader cultural movement.
“Lagos Fringe 2024 is more than a festival; is a platform for creative exchange and empowerment. By bringing these cultural leaders together in Lagos, we are positioning African festivals as incubators of innovation and change on the global stage,” said Mr. Upphopho.
Festival Management Residency Program
The festival directing residency program, held from October 23 to 25, brought together more than 50 festival directors and cultural leaders from sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.
Pawstudios Africa highlighted that festival directors and cultural leaders engaged in critical discussions on festival management, sustainability and cultural diplomacy.
According to Pawstudios Africa, the program exemplified its commitment to empowering the African creative sector through professional development and intercultural dialogue, offering participants a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and expand their networks.
Throughout the three-day virtual sessions, participants explored critical aspects of modern festival management, including film festival curation, multidisciplinary arts programming, and sustainability in economic and social planning.
Furthermore, the organization noted that the program underlined the role of cultural diplomacy in festivals as platforms to foster and strengthen international cultural relations, making audiences feel connected and part of a global community.
During the breakout sessions, participants represented their regions and discussed how festivals can bridge cultural divides and promote international collaboration.
Festival leaders from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia and beyond enriched the discussions with their unique experiences, contributing to the exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Cultural expert Erwin Maas, who led a session focusing on cultural diplomacy, highlighted the crucial role of artists as cultural ambassadors.
“Artists are not just entertainers; They are diplomats of culture and foster mutual understanding and innovation. “This residency allows participants to approach their festivals with a mindset that goes beyond borders, leveraging cultural exchange to achieve social impact,” said Maas.
Sustainable financing
The Festival Management Residency Program highlighted sustainable financing strategies and practical festival programming.
Nadine Patel, experienced creative consultant, shared effective strategies for securing funding that align with global initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ms Patel emphasized the critical role of impact statements in applications.
“Building a sustainable festival requires aligning with the right funders and understanding the broader impact of your festival, and this residency has shown us the power of strategic and authentic funding approaches,” he said.
Representatives from the British Council and the Goethe Institute offered further guidance on funding, highlighting the importance of aligning with funders' missions to promote diversity, environmental sustainability and community engagement.