Afrikan Creative Hubs Network (A.C.H.Network) is a growing community of leaders & managers of creative hubs across East, West, North, South, and Central African states. Our network thrives through virtual connections, as we link leaders who serve their communities locally, with their counterparts in other regions of the continent. This gives room for international partnerships that will help represented hubs to thrive locally while synergizing with like minds to advance Africa’s socio-cultural & economic development. Our Members: Ideal members of the network are gatekeepers of the arts & cultural sector in each community represented, such as the founders, managers & key decision-makers of creative hubs. Examples of Hubs in the network: Art Centres, Maker Spaces, Crafts Workshop, Ideation & Innovation hubs, Youth development & Tech hubs with key interests in socio-cultural development, amplifying indigenous heritage, and promoting pan-Africanism.

In early August, we welcomed our new Artist-in-Residence to Kuta Arts Foundation for an immersive four-week residency. Our August artist in residence is Oluwatobi Aremu from Lagos and Dikachu Uguwu from Abuja; these two artists will explore the cultural landscape of Abeokuta, Ogun State. Oluwatobi Aremu is a Nigerian visual artist. He majored in Graphic Design at the School of Art and Industrial Design, Yaba College of Technology. Oluwatobi is working on personal modular visual systems rooted in African symbolism and modern design logic. His work explores abstraction, rhythm, and atmosphere, often featuring solitary figures in surreal Afro-centric spaces. He is on a journey to deepen his practice via structured visual philosophy by merging research, experimentation, and storytelling. This is in order to create a visual language that’s intelligent, emotionally resonant, and culturally grounded. How do you hope to maximize the residency opportunity?   I want to fully immerse myself in the local environment, both the land and the people. I’m especially interested in connecting with artisans and the rhythms of Abeokuta to inspire new modulations and symbols in my ongoing exploration of my system. I plan to develop a series of visual studies during the residency, focusing on color, abstraction, and local material influences. This isn’t just about producing work, it’s about evolving my system in dialogue with the cultural textures around me. I also want to document and reflect, so that what I gain from KUTA can feed into a longer-term body of work. What drew you to apply to the residency program? Kuta Arts Foundation felt aligned with the phase I’m in, one where structure meets openness. The location, the emphasis on process, and the opportunity to collaborate with other Nigerian creatives made it stand out. I’m building something bigger than individual works: a visual language that draws from African roots and pushes toward new futures. KUTA felt like a space where I could experiment, connect, and take that system deeper, especially by being close to real craft and community rather than working in isolation. Dikachu Uguwu is a Nigerian artist hailing from a  Dape Village, a small community in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. An alumnus of Theatre and Film at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he is an autodidact artist with an affinity for drawing, painting, and a passion for large-scale outdoor works. Drawn to bold expression and expansive surfaces, Dikachi prefers painting on the walls of buildings and rocks. His work explores portraits of public figures, graffiti, landscapes, illusions, and cultural symbols. Most of his murals reflect the everyday stories, icons, and reality familiar to his community. He’s also a set designer, with screen credit on film production like Yahoo +, Uno (the ‘F’ in Family), Mumu Mna, and Paths Unseen. Nominated best set designer at the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, Nsukka, in 2012 and 2013. What I hope to achieve  at the residency   I hope to maximize the residency opportunity by using it as a conducive environment to focus, create, and kick-start my art career in a meaningful way. The chance to interact and share ideas with fellow artists will not only broaden my perspective but also foster valuable collaborations and community. I also look forward to making full use of the available art facilities to experiment, refine my techniques, and grow in my craft. This residency presents a unique space for both personal and artistic development, and I intend to engage with it wholeheartedly.   What drew me to the residency   What drew me to apply to the Kuta Artist in Residence Program was the unique combination of creative space, community, and support it offers to emerging artists. I was particularly drawn to the residency’s emphasis on artistic growth, cultural exchange, and collaboration. The opportunity to work alongside other dedicated artists, in a space intentionally designed to nurture creativity, deeply resonated with me. Additionally, I’m at a pivotal stage in my career where I need both structure and inspiration to develop a strong body of work. The resources, facilities, and environment provided by the Kuta residency make it an ideal place for me to explore new ideas, refine my practice, and build meaningful connections within the art world. It felt like a natural step toward fulfilling my artistic vision and building a sustainable creative path

Kuta Arts Foundation invites applications for our 2025/2026 Artist in Residence program based in Abeokuta, Nigeria. We’re seeking diverse creative voices for monthly residencies between August 2025 and April 2026. Program Overview: 9 fully funded monthly residencies for Abeokuta-based artists (one artist per month) Additional partially funded residency opportunities for other local and international artists Open to artists, designers, writers, and filmmakers: Visual Artists & Writers This call is open to visual and literary artists who engage in the creation of works that explore the cultural landscape of Abeokuta in its purest form, through mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, installation, performance, video, new media, or other interdisciplinary practices. Literary artists, such as writers and poets, are highly encouraged to apply. Curators/Researchers Curators and Researchers who are keen on interacting with artists in residence, exploring cultural history, and digging into archival materials to tell compelling stories and develop materials for educational use. Production from this endeavour will be published for the addition to our developing art library, enabling indigenous artists and students to access it as a resource for their practice.  What We Offer: The fully funded residency includes studio space, accommodation, professional practice development, exhibition/presentation opportunity, and curated community programs. Partially funded options provide flexible support based on artists’ needs and available resources. There is currently no stipend for the artist or work production available in this residency cycle. Residency Fees break down (Please read carefully): –  Selected applicants are expected to pay a participatory fee for one (1) month of residency only. These fees are not for profit purposes but are applied as donations to support Kuta’s missions: – Nigeria Based Artists – N200,000 Studio & Accommodation Fee, N50,000 (Refundable Caution Fee). – International Artists – N200,000 Studio & Accommodation Fee, N50,000 Travel Support Fee, N50,000 (Refundable Caution Fee) – Deadline for all fee payments is July 20th, 2025. Selection Criteria: Our selection committee evaluates applications based on: Artistic merit and quality of work Potential for artistic development during the residency Proposed use of the residency period Interest in engaging with the local community Alignment with Kuta’s mission to support diverse creative practices For local artists: Availability to attend the residency for 4 weeks straight between August 2025 – April 2026 For International artists: Availability to attend the residency for 4 weeks straight between October 2025- April 2026 We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, career stages, and creative approaches. Both international and Nigerian creatives are encouraged to apply. https://bit.ly/4k0bOiv Important Dates: Application Deadline: June 30th, 2025 Response to Applicants: Rolling basis until July 10th Payment Deadline: July 20th, 2025 Results Announced: July 30th, 2025 Residency Period: August 18th, 2025 – April 30th 2026

The KUTA Creative Leaders Fellowship, an initiative of Kuta Arts Foundation in collaboration with the Afrikan Creative Hubs Network, is seeking 100+ dynamic individuals (ages 18-30 and above) who are passionate about leading, administering, and managing arts and cultural organizations across Africa. Program Overview: This 3-month intensive online fellowship is designed to equip emerging creative leaders with essential skills in arts administration, including program management, community engagement, art education facilitation, content production, grant writing, fundraising, communications, and operational leadership. Participants will develop a foundation in these areas while learning how to build and manage teams tailored to specific artistic disciplines and community needs. Apply Here Training Structure: 10 hours weekly commitment Diverse learning formats: live sessions, recorded content, group projects, field projects, and mentorship Access to a network of over 120 creative hubs across South, West, and East Africa Certificate of Participation awarded upon completion Closing virtual celebration with testimonials and networking Regional Impact & Opportunities: This fellowship addresses critical infrastructure gaps for arts and cultural development across Africa by training the next generation of creative leaders. The program recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities across different regions: West Africa: Rapidly expanding creative economies in Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal with strong music, film, and fashion industries East Africa: Growing tech-creative integration in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, with opportunities in digital arts and design Southern Africa: Established cultural institutions in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana with heritage preservation and contemporary arts development needs Pan-African: Cross-regional collaboration opportunities addressing unemployment through cultural entrepreneurship Who Should Apply: We welcome applications from creatives and professionals from ALL backgrounds, including: Artists (visual artists, photographers, designers, fashion creators) Technical specialists (web developers, content creators) Business professionals (accountants, lawyers, marketers, project managers) Students and recent graduates from any field with a passion for the creative sector Eligibility Requirements: Ages 18-30 years and above Applicants from both African and non-African countries are welcome Strong passion/ commitment to developing Africa’s creative ecosystem Proficiency in English (speaking, reading, and writing) is mandatory Knowledge of additional languages (Swahili, French, Arabic, or Hausa) is advantageous Demonstrated interest in arts administration or creative leadership Commitment to attend all virtual training sessions Access to a reliable internet connection for online sessions Willingness to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds Key Dates: Application Deadline: May 30, 2025 Final Selection Notification: June 5, 2025 Virtual Training Period: June 10 – August 30, 2025 Abeokuta Bootcamp (for selected participants): June 1-15, 2025 Application Process: Application Fee: ₦20,000 or $15 USD (fully refundable if not selected) Required materials: Completed application form, CV, bio statement, work portfolio or web link Apply at: bit.ly/KutaCLF  or www.kutaartsfoundation.com For inquiries: kutanigeria@gmail.com Exceptional Opportunities: Top 10 applicants with up to 2 years of experience leading creative hubs will be invited to a specialized bootcamp in Abeokuta, Nigeria (June 1-15, 2025) hosted by Kuta Arts Foundation. Accommodation and a Stipend are provided. To be considered for this opportunity, submit your application before May 15, 2025.  KUTA C.L. Fellowship Graduates will access remote and on-site paid/volunteer work positions with partner organizations. Support and funding opportunities are available for fellows interested in launching their creative hubs. Ongoing mentorship through monthly workshop meetings with creative hub leaders to co-develop solutions for respective hubs. This fellowship is led by artist and arts administrator Benita Nnachortam through Kuta Arts Foundation and offers a unique pathway to leadership in Africa’s growing creative economy. For more information and Frequently Asked Questions see:   Download Information Pack

Kuta Arts Foundation is inviting both local and international art researchers, curators, and visual artists to apply for a partially funded residency program. This program fosters the professional growth of cultural practitioners at all stages of their careers, from emerging artists to established professionals. Participants will have access to studio facilities, accommodation, mentorship, and various art resources.  The residency provides a platform for residents to develop their ideas and prepare for both local and international opportunities and showcases. It is designed for anyone seeking uninterrupted time to create new work. We particularly encourage those interested in exploring and engaging with the cultural landscape of Abeokuta to submit their applications.   Eligibility Our one-month creative residencies are open to writers, researchers, curators, and visual artists working in various mediums (sculpture, ceramics, textiles, painting, photography, etc.) from around the world.  Fees: Residency Fee: Nigerian Artists: N200k  International Artists: $250 NB: Please be advised that we consider this fee to be a donation to our organization, as we do not derive any profit from it. Expenses paid by the artist (artists will be responsible for the list below): Travel Production costs Food Art Supplies Artists are expected to engage in the following with the support of our team: Workshops Presentation Open Studios Residency Duration: 1 month (Artists who are interested in extending their stay for up to 3 months are welcome to make a request ) The Residency Programme 2025:  Session 1: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, to Friday, March 14, 2025 Session 2: Tuesday, April 1, 2025, to Friday, May 2, 2025 Session 3: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, to Friday, June 13, 2025 Session 4: Tuesday, June 24, 2025, to Friday, July 25, 2025 Session 5: Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to Friday, October 3, 2025 Session 6: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, to Friday, November 28, 2025 Application Deadline: The application runs from November 30 through December 28th, 2024. Selected artists will be contacted to discuss the resumption timeline.  To apply click the link:  Applications Closed