By Adesina Wahab

Twenty creative artists have been chosen for the pioneer Lens-based incubator programme, LensBIP, organised by MADHouse by Tikera Africa.

The pioneering cohort were chosen from over 500 applications sent in from across Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

LensBIP, which is dedicated to fostering the talents of digital artists, filmmakers, animators, photographers, and creators working in lens-based mediums attracted over 500 applications from across Africa, the UK, and the US. After a rigorous selection process, 20 exceptional creatives emerged as the programme’s inaugural cohort.

The ceremony, which took place at the MADHouse building, University of Lagos, welcomed esteemed guests including the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folashade T. Ogunsola, DVC (DS), Prof Ayodele Atsenuwa, DVC (MS), Prof L.O Chukwu, DVC (AR), Prof Bolanle O. Oboh, Prof Duro Oni, Director of Academic Planning, Prof Olusoji Ilori, the Bursar, Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Adekunle, Acting Registrar, Mrs Olakunle Makinde and others.

Phenomenal judges who made the selection process a success comprised: Adeniyi Adenubi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Institutional Business & Investor Relations at VFD Group Plc, Afolabi Imoukhuede, CEO, PIER Investments Limited, Kola Aina, Founding Partner at Ventures Platform and renowned angel investor, and Oyindamola Fakeye, Executive & Artistic Director of Centre for Contemporary Art.

Bayo Omoboriowo, the visionary founder of MADHouse, in his address to the attendees, underscored the transformative power of the LensBIP programme, envisioning it as a catalyst for shaping a new narrative for Africa through the lens.

“Our objective is to ignite a fresh discourse on Africa by empowering visionary artists who challenge conventions through their profound lens-based expressions,” remarked Bayo Omoboriowo. “Through financial support, mentorship, and knowledge investment, we aim to cultivate sustainable creative industries globally.”

During the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor in collaboration with MADHouse launched the Young Creators Programme, a programme designed exclusively for university students and scheduled to run during academic holidays.

“If Africa is truly going to be itself then it has to come from our self-expressions,” echoed Prof. Ogunsola, emphasizing the importance of self-representation in shaping African narratives.

The unveiling ceremony provided a platform for the cohort members to share their creative visions and experience into the programme. Ayomitunde Adeleke, one of the participants, mentioned that he sees MADHouse as a community of people trying to help creatives scale their ideas and bring them to life.

The event concluded with engaging discussions and networking opportunities over refreshments, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for the LensBIP programme’s inaugural cohort.

Vanguard Newspaper