From January 31st to February 1st, 2025, young and aspiring girls converged in Enugu State. They experienced an unforgettable journey of creativity, learning, and inspiration at ARTBurst, a Creative Arts Summit organized under the David Oyelowo Scholarship for Girls Program by GEANCO Foundation.

A key highlight of the summit was the presence of David Oyelowo, the renowned British-American actor, director, and producer, alongside his wife, Jessica Oyelowo, accompanied by Afam Onyema.

Jessica Oyelowo is an artist and storyteller. The CEO/ Co-Founder of GEANCO Foundation, Afam Onyema, accompanied them to Nigeria.

According to David Oyelowo, “many of these girls are from financially challenged situations, sometimes there’s sexual violence, sometimes it’s political violence, and sometimes they’ve been dealing with terrorism in their area. They are all dealing with issues and circumstances that really challenge the notion of them being well-educated, well-rounded, and having access to the kind of education that will make them well-rounded young women.

“What I’m really trying to instill in them is that engaging with the creative arts doesn’t mean you’re gonna go on to be an actor or a photographer or a writer or a fashion designer, but it gives you a skill set that is applicable to so many avenues in life. If we, along with others, can continue to be a drop in the ocean of change for some of these systemic inequities, the sky is truly the limit.”

The presence of the notable movie stars elevated the summit, inspiring attendees with their wisdom, experiences, and words of encouragement. The event was carefully designed to ignite passion, equip young creatives with practical skills, and instill confidence in their unique artistic voices.

AS a Hub of Creativity and Learning, the summit was packed with dynamic activities aimed at nurturing the artistic potential of every participant. Through engaging career panel discussions, attendees gained insights from notable movie stars and industry experts who shared their journeys, challenges, and success strategies.

The sessions provided a realistic, yet motivating view of the creative industry, helping participants envision their future with clarity and determination.

Beyond discussions, the summit was a hands-on experience, with workshops tailored to various artistic disciplines. Young creatives honed their skills in digital arts, painting, skit making, photography, AI video creation, music, and choreography.

The sessions were not just about acquiring new skills but also about discovering innovative ways to tell stories and express emotions through different mediums.

Mentoring, connecting and inspiring the children, the pep talk by Jessica Oyelowo, shared words of encouragement and practical wisdom. Her speech resonated deeply with the young creatives, reinforcing the importance of resilience, self-expression, and perseverance in the creative journey.

Throughout the summit, participants not only gained invaluable knowledge but also built lasting relationships. They connected with like-minded peers, discovered new perspectives, and, most importantly, found their unique artistic voices.

The event fostered a sense of community, showing the young creatives that they are not alone in their journey and that their dreams are valid and achievable.

By the end of the two-day event, attendees walked away with newfound confidence, sharpened skills, and a renewed passion for their craft.

The summit was more than just an event—it was a catalyst for transformation, equipping young creatives with the tools, inspiration, and connections needed to thrive in the world of art and cinema.

The Creative Arts Summit in Enugu was a resounding success, and its impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. As these young girls take bold steps toward their dreams, they do so with the knowledge that they are supported, empowered, and ready to make their mark on the world.