…Lagos Among Cities Set to Host Groundbreaking Public Art Project

By Jimoh Babatunde

A large-scale public art project, THE HERDS, will journey across Africa and Europe from April to August 2025, bringing a dramatic call to action against climate change. The initiative will feature life-size puppet animals, symbolizing wildlife fleeing environmental disaster, as they travel a 20,000KM route from the Congo Basin to the Arctic Circle.

With its fusion of art, activism, and global collaboration, THE HERDS aims to be one of the most powerful climate awareness projects of the decade.

Presented by The Walk Productions, THE HERDS follows the global success of The Walk (2021), which featured Little Amal, a 12-foot-tall puppet of a Syrian refugee girl, traveling from Turkey to the UK. This time, the project combines art and science, collaborating with leading climate organizations, artists, and activists to engage the public in conversations about environmental sustainability.

THE HERDS will pass through major cities, including: Kinshasa, DRC (April 9–11), Lagos, Nigeria (April 18–20), Dakar, Senegal (April 25–27), Madrid, Spain (June 6–8), Paris, France (June 20–22), London, UK (June 27–29) and Trondheim, Norway (July 28–30).

Each location will host free performances, workshops, and participatory events, in collaboration with local artists and cultural institutions.

Lagos, Nigeria: A three-day event across Ejigbo, Yaba, and Lagos Island, featuring performances by Jelili Atiku, Ochai Ogaba, and Qudus Onikeku.

Dakar, Senegal: Choreographer Jean Tamba explores the mythology of the Diola people’s Kumpo masquerade at Golf Sud Beach.

Madrid, Spain: Urban artist Suso33 showcases an art piece reflecting humanity’s deep connection with animals, from prehistoric cave paintings to Picasso.

Venice, Italy: A performance at Biennale Danza 2025, co-created by Anthony Matsena, unfolds in the city’s iconic lagoons.

Paris, France: Video projection artist Étienne Guiol creates a night spectacle on nature’s relationship with urban landscapes.

As the herds progress, they will grow in size and diversity, featuring elephants, giraffes, antelope, lions, and local species such as vervet monkeys in Nigeria, wolves in Europe, and reindeer in Norway. Designed by Ukwanda Puppets and Designs Art Collective under Artistic Director Amir Nizar Zuabi, each puppet is crafted from recycled materials, reflecting the project’s commitment to sustainability.

“THE HERDS is an urgent artistic response to the climate crisis—a living, breathing call to action,” said Zuabi. “Through the beauty and ferocity of these creatures, we aim to spark dialogue and inspire real change.”

In Nigeria, A Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation (AWCA) is spearheading THE HERDS Lagos, coordinating production with local climate groups, art agencies, and government organizations.

AWCA CEO Papa Omotayo emphasized the project’s significance: “AWCA is proud to bring THE HERDS to Nigeria, managing everything from puppet assembly to community engagement. We also invite volunteers to join as puppetry artists, production assistants, and dancers.”

Beyond live performances, audiences can engage with THE HERDS via: Free educational resources, lesson plans, and activity packs. A behind-the-scenes look on Bloomberg Connects, launching April 2025.