Pawstudios Africa Unveils the 7th Annual Lagos Fringe
By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian
Pawstudios Africa, a premier incubator for the continent’s creative talents, proudly announces the 7th edition of Lagos Fringe 2024. Set to run from November 19 to 24, this dynamic, multidisciplinary arts festival exemplifies Pawstudios Africa’s commitment to fostering artistic innovation across Africa and beyond.
Centered on this year’s theme—technology’s fusion with the arts—the festival aligns with Pawstudios Africa’s mission to nurture artistic expression and collaboration. With over 150 performances and exhibitions across 14 venues, Lagos Fringe 2024 will feature an eclectic mix of theater, music, dance, visual arts, film screenings, and interactive workshops.
Building on previous collaborations with international partners like Soho Playhouse New York and Brighton Fringe UK, this year’s festival extends its reach through partnerships with creatives from Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the UK, amplifying its global influence.
Highlights of the Lagos Fringe 2024 program include an array of skill-building sessions designed to foster growth and community among artists at all levels:
- #GiveMeTha’MoneySeries: Practical workshops on grant writing, elevator pitches, and contract negotiation, designed to empower artists to monetize their work.
- Women in the Arts Initiative: A supportive space offering workshops and grant-funded productions, including the Equitable Gender Storytelling Workshop, to uplift female creatives.
- Young Critics & Reviewers Program: A peer mentorship initiative for budding art critics, featuring sessions on monetizing review content.
- AI Tools Workshop: A hands-on exploration of how AI is reshaping creative workflows.
A signature event, the Festival Gathering, is a hybrid program with the British Council aimed at equipping African arts leaders with essential skills in festival management, from sustainability to programming and funding. Launched virtually in September 2024, the residency welcomed over 50 festival managers from Africa and Europe, including participants from Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, and the UK. Tope Sanni, Head of Operations at Pawstudios Africa, emphasizes its impact:
“The Festival Gathering is a pioneering initiative that provides African festival managers with tools to create impactful, sustainable events with a global reach.”
Festival-goers can also enjoy a lineup of vibrant social events, including:
- Y2K Party & Participants’ Party: A nostalgic throwback celebration filled with music, dancing, and surprises.
- Rave/DJ Battle: An electrifying DJ face-off where the audience chooses the winning DJ, with prizes awarded to fan favorites.
- Fringe After Dark: A lively, late-night social for performers and audiences to connect.
- Creative Hustle: The Filmmaker’s Guide to Global Audiences: A workshop focused on strategies for filmmakers aiming for international distribution and engagement.
Attendees can look forward to cash prizes, festival awards, and exclusive mentorships. Dive into the vibrant world of African arts and culture at Lagos Fringe 2024, where artists unite to inspire, create, and innovate. For more details, event information, and the full schedule, visit the festival’s website.
Curated by Pawstudios Africa, Lagos Fringe is presented in collaboration with Women in the Arts Festival, Freedom Park, British Council, PACE, Temple Productions, Abuja Fringe, Total Consult, and TheatreNaija. Join this celebration of African creativity and collaboration at Lagos Fringe 2024!
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