MADHouse by Tikera Africa has unveiled its pioneering cohort, the Lens-Based Incubator Programme (LensBIP).
LensBIP, which is its first incubation programme, is dedicated to fostering talents of digital artists, filmmakers, animators, photographers, and creators working in lens-based mediums. The programme attracted over 500 applications from across Africa, United Kingdom and America. After a rigorous selection process, 20 exceptional creatives emerged as the programme’s inaugural cohort.
Speaking at the ceremony, which held recently at the MADHouse building on the University of Lagos premises, founder of MADHouse, Bayo Omoboriowo, underscored the transformative power of the LensBIP programme, envisioning it as a catalyst for shaping a new narrative for Africa through the lens.
He said: “Our objective is to ignite a fresh discourse on Africa by empowering visionary artists who challenge conventions through their profound lens-based expressions. Through financial support, mentorship, and knowledge investment, we aim to cultivate sustainable creative industries globally.”
At the event, the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade T. Ogunsola, in collaboration with MADHouse, launched the Young Creators Programme, which is designed for university students and scheduled to run during academic holidays.
Emphasising the importance of self-representation in shaping African narratives, Ogunsola said: “If Africa is truly going to be itself then it has to come from our self-expressions.”
The unveiling ceremony provided a platform for the cohort members to share their creative visions and experience with the programme. Ayomitunde Adeleke, one of the participants mentioned that he sees MADHouse as a community of people trying to help creatives scale their ideas and bring them to life.
The event concluded with engaging discussions and networking opportunities over refreshments, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for the LensBIP programme’s inaugural cohort.
