Beyond The Canvas
Open Call: Beyond The Canvas
Beyond The Canvas is an online learning forum between early to mid-career artists and renowned artists, writers and curators who engage with innovative artistic and curatorial approaches emerging within and beyond Africa. The annual program is designed as an intensive mentorship session and creative knowledge exchange with emphasis on the transformative power of art, critical thinking, experimentation and research in a contemporary context.
At the core of Beyond The Canvas is encouraging participants to harness their artistic freedom and discover their artistic voice. Through in-depth discussions, the participants are invited to consider wider forms within their artistic practice, conceptualizing ideas and storytelling. The sessions are delivered as a casual peer-to-peer dialogue that combines online workshops, portfolio review, and pitch project presentations.
Furthermore, Beyond The Canvas offers participants practical insights to develop a cohesive body of work and artistic narrative, whilst demystifying what it means to be an artist and pointing towards potential futures in contemporary art. Launched in 2021, we have mentored 16 artists working across diverse mediums from painting to photography to textile-based art, sculpture and installation. The previous sessions have featured facilitators such as Obi Okigbo, Nengi Omuku, Abraham Oghobase, Peter Uka, Ndidi Emefiele, Bukola Oyebode-Westerhuis and Kadara Enyeasi.
Past Editions
2023
Summer Edition
For the 2023 edition of Beyond The Canvas, we selected 5 artists working across textile-based art, painting, photography and installation. Each artist demonstrates a curiosity to explore frontier mediums, conceptualise ideas in unique ways and a strong commitment to becoming professional artists.
This edition of Beyond The Canvas features guest facilitators including Abraham Oghobase, Bukola Oyebode, Adéọlá Ọlágúnjú, Tega Akpokona, & Asibi Danjuma.
2022
Summer Edition
We are delighted to announce Chinecherem Ifedilichukwu, Mofoluso Eludire and Nzubechukwu Ozoemena as the selected artists for our next edition of Beyond The Canvas online mentorship program with Obi Okigbo, Nengi Omuku and Kadara Enyeasi. The artists were selected by our jury committee for the energy put into their application and curiosity to explore frontier mediums and new ways of storytelling.
2022
Spring Edition
For the March 2022 edition, we selected Assoukrou Akè, Nwakuso Edozien and Oluwapelumi Oluyemi. The selected artists will virtually meet and present their works to Peter Uka, the mentor of this month’s edition. These sessions are designed for emerging and mid-career artists to receive critical assessment and learn from personal shared experiences of notable artists.
2021
Summer Edition
For the September 2021 edition with Ndidi Emefiele, we selected Laura Tolen, Simon Ojeaga and Stephanie Chioma Nnabuenyi. Each artist was selected for the energy put into their application, display of commitment to become professional artists and explore frontier mediums. Our team of art specialists and Ndidi Emefiele will engage the selected artists in online sessions designed to equip them with the knowledge to conceptualise ideas and further their artistic practice.
2021
Spring Edition
For the March 2021 edition, we selected Laju Sholola, Olushola Olajobi and Roanna Tella. Each artist was selected for showing commitment to become professional artists and develop their works, as well as explore diverse artistic mediums. The selected artists will virtually meet and present their works to Uthman Wahaab, the mentor of this month’s edition. These sessions are designed for emerging and mid-career artists to receive critical assessment and learn from personal shared experiences of notable artists.