Remi Kuforiji, an architect, spatial practitioner, and researcher in residence at G.A.S. Lagos, invited members of the creative community to apply to attend 'Playful Preservation', a free workshop on April 4th at G.A.S. Lagos, to collaboratively propose alternative ways of preserving Afro-Brazilian history and culture in Lagos.

This opportunity was open to diverse practitioners, including artists, architects, artisans, performers, and other makers and thinkers. Participants were involved in a symposium discussing issues around preserving the urban fabric of the Afro-Brazilian community on Lagos Island. In response to this discussion, participants proposed alternative realities through collaging, drawing and experimenting on top of archival and current photographs of Afro-Brazilian architecture in Lagos. Finally, participants played a prototype of “Anti-Monopoly: Brazilian Quarters” - a board game where players win by preserving the most Afro-Brazilian buildings in Lagos Island. Instead of developing land, you restore buildings; instead of paying rent, you pay visiting fees; instead of going bankrupt, you run out of the preservation budget. Through this playful process of world-building, participants interrogate issues of preserving the cultural memory of the relationship between Lagos and Brazil.

Rafael Kouto, a multidisciplinary designer and researcher in residence at G.A.S. Lagos, invites members of the creative community to apply to attend Circular Heroes, a free upcycling workshop at G.A.S. Lagos. This opportunity is open to fashion, textile, and other crafts practitioners. Participants will receive instructions on methods such as embroidery, applique, and weaving, and apply them in various exercises. This workshop takes a cue from the sprawling waterside communities of Lagos, whose landfills provide the workshop materials. 

The 2024 residency programme at G.A.S. Foundation commenced with the arrival of Victor Svensson and Eric Oetterli, Retail Management bachelor's thesis students from the Stockholm School of Economics, marking the second cohort of the prestigious Yinka Shonibare Thesis Scholarship initiated in 2023 in partnership with Art Initiative, Misum, Mistra Center for Sustainable Markets, and Stockholm School of Economics. During their residency, they explored the intricacies of Nigeria's cryptocurrency adoption, examining its ramifications on retail, economic growth, and financial inclusion. From their base at G.A.S. Lagos, they conducted a comprehensive series of in-person interviews with local retailers. Victor and Eric collaborated closely with a consultancy firm to design and circulate a survey garnering over 800 responses to unearth invaluable insights into the landscape of cryptocurrency adoption in Nigeria.

Originating against the backdrop of the Isale-Akoka area in Bariga, the first iteration of Circular Heroes was hosted by Rafael Kouto in collaboration with Peter D. Abayomi of the Eran Jije Project, whose work activates communities through music, dance, and environmental awareness. This upcycling workshop engaged 15 young people from one of Lagos' most ingenious waterside communities, characterised by adjacent landfills that provide inhabitants with building materials and income streams through recycling. The exercise served as a prequel to another workshop held at the G.A.S. Lagos residency space, attended by fashion designers, visual artists, photographers, climate activists and resource reclamation entrepreneurs.

We are thrilled to announce Moni Aisida as the incoming Executive Director of the G.A.S. Foundation. With an impressive background spanning over 8 years in the art industry, Moni brings a wealth of experience to our organization.

Moni's professional journey has been characterized by diverse experiences across various sectors including healthcare and fin-tech. Her multifaceted expertise uniquely positions her to drive innovation and growth within the art community. Notably, Moni has been pivotal in cultivating partnerships and facilitating capacity-building initiatives, particularly in her dedicated efforts to support emerging artists. Her unwavering commitment to empowering creatives and fostering collaboration aligns seamlessly with the values and mission of the G.A.S. Foundation.