By Prisca Sam-Duru

In partnership with the British Council, Lagos Fringe presents Festival Gathering, a key highlight of the festival’s 2024 programme that unites arts and culture leaders from across the globe in a groundbreaking hybrid residency and live convening.

This year, Lagos Fringe by Pawstudios Africa is broadening its influence and reach through innovative international collaborations, spotlighting African creativity on the world stage.

As a hybrid residency programme, the Festival Management Residency offers both virtual and in-person learning experiences, offering festival managers with practical knowledge in areas critical to festival success—sustainability, funding, and programming.

The virtual phase of the Festival Management Residency was launched in September 2024, drawing over 50 festival managers and cultural leaders from countries across Africa and Europe, including Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. These sessions are designed to prepare participants for the future of festival management, addressing the challenges and opportunities unique to arts and cultural organizations in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Festival Director at Lagos Fringe, Kenneth Uphopho disclosed that “Lagos Fringe 2024 is expanding its reach and impact with exciting international collaborations and the Festival Management Residency Programme, which empowers African arts leaders with practical skills for success.”
“With over 50 global festival managers attending our virtual sessions, we are poised to make a substantial contribution to the global creative landscape,” he added.

The Live Convening portion of the Festival Management Residency Programme will take place during Lagos Fringe, allowing participants to engage directly with leading arts and culture professionals, connect with peers, and participate in discussions that foster collaboration and innovation. With expert facilitators covering topics like sustainable funding models, festival branding and marketing, and the future of festival programming, the gathering is set to offer invaluable insights to festival organizers across Africa.

“As Lagos Fringe 2024 approaches, we look forward to welcoming festival managers, artists, and cultural leaders from around the world to Lagos, where we continue to set new standards for cultural impact and creative expression,” Uphopho stated.

The British Council’s Festival Management Residency Programme is a visionary three-year initiative designed to connect festivals and creative organizations across the UK, Africa, and beyond. Running from May 2024 to March 2027, the Festival Management Residency Program aims to create collaborative spaces where festival leaders can network, share insights, and develop new ideas. Through a series of gatherings, the initiative fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the exchange of new artistic ideas, supporting sustainable and inclusive ecosystems within the creative economy. In alignment with these goals, the British Council’s Festival Connect Fund provides grants to African festivals, enabling them to increase access to international artists, embrace experimentation, and support the showcasing of diverse artistic expressions.

Pawstudios Africa is a pioneering creative and innovation hub dedicated to elevating African storytelling through innovative arts and culture programs. Based in Lagos, Pawstudios Africa is committed to producing impactful arts festivals, theatrical productions, and training initiatives that empower the next generation of African creatives. As the lead delivery partner for the Festival Management Residency Programme, Pawstudios Africa collaborates with local and international partners to create inclusive, world-class platforms for African artists and cultural leaders to connect, innovate, and thrive.