African creativity, European innovation and the future of sustainable mobility will converge in Milan next month as Artnovation and Hybrid Motors Nigeria Limited unveil a new artistic work exploring the connection between art, mobility, renewable energy and sustainable development.

A statement by the two groups on Monday indicated that the partners would unveil “The Bridge of Motion,” the 17th work in Artnovation’s Thread of Continents series, during the opening of Echoes of Renaissance in the Hues of Africa at Fondazione Luciana Matalon on September 16, 2026.

Curated by Foluke Michael, Chief Curator of Artnovation, the first 16 works in the series explored the evolving relationship between Africa and Europe through themes including memory, encounter, trade, exchange and cooperation.

Number 17 takes the journey further, connecting the cultural narrative to mobility, renewable energy, innovation and sustainable development. Its number deliberately evokes the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Michael said the project represents a new chapter in the Africa-Europe creative relationship.

“The journey does not end at sixteen. Number 17 carries the story towards a new horizon, where ideas gather momentum, possibilities take shape, and the future begins to move,.

“For us, The Bridge of Motion is not simply about a vehicle. It is about what mobility can represent when creativity, renewable energy, sustainable development and innovation enter the same conversation—and what Africa and Europe might create together,” he said.

For Hybrid Motors, the partnership goes beyond displaying mobility technology, with the company seeking sustainable and indigenous mobility solutions for West Africa while exploring deeper European collaboration.

Its founder, Jubril Arogundade, said, “Our vision extends beyond vehicle development to sustainable, indigenous mobility solutions for West Africa, alongside opportunities for deeper European technical, institutional and commercial collaboration.”

He described the Milan unveiling as the beginning of a potentially broader partnership, adding, “The Milan unveiling marks the beginning of a conversation toward a potential sustainable Africa-Europe mobility partnership, where art helps us imagine what innovation can make possible.”

The initiative aligns with areas associated with the EU Global Gateway, particularly sustainable transport and renewable energy, with discussions exploring European technology, expertise, institutional partnerships and sustainable financing.

The project follows the AfroItalian Renaissance, launched in partnership with the Italian Consulate General in Lagos in December 2025. What began as cultural exchange has evolved into a wider conversation about creativity, innovation, enterprise and shared opportunity.

Echoes of Renaissance in the Hues of Africa opens at *a prestigious museum in Milan* at 5 p.m. CEST on September 16 and runs for the public from September 17 to 29.

According to the press release, the exhibition centres on a question: What happens when Africa and Europe choose to design the future together?

The Bridge of Motion offers an answer—where creativity becomes the bridge and sustainable mobility provides the momentum.