Creativity, culture and youth expression took centre stage on Saturday as UR4Africa Project, hosted the live segment of its three-day exhibition and fundraising event at ARTLab Gallery, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme, “African Futurism.”
UR4Africa, a Pan-African social enterprise and media organisation, is focused on empowering young Nigerians through arts, media, and design education.
The exhibition, which runs from June 12 to 14, brings together artists, performers, educators, and cultural advocates in support of expanding arts education in public schools. Proceeds from the exhibition are expected to fund creative learning programmes for young people in underserved communities.
The event attracted notable guests, including human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Funmi Falana, alongside stakeholders in education, the arts, and youth development.
Saturday’s programme featured a vibrant mix of visual art displays and live performances, including music, dance, poetry, and drama, transforming the gallery into a dynamic stage for contemporary African expression. Guests also engaged in interactive activities, including a light-hearted word challenge that sparked laughter and audience participation.
The programme opened with music, followed by an opening prayer led by Sheyin Stevens. Delivering the welcome address, Chairperson of the Nigeria Board, Teleola Olanrewaju, described UR4Africa’s journey as one rooted in passion, mentorship, and youth empowerment.
“This is a journey that started with passion. So far, it has been a good one. UR4Africa birthed Public Art Africa,” she said.
Olanrewaju emphasised the importance of nurturing creative leadership among young people, describing the arts as a powerful tool for development and identity formation.
A poetry performance followed, after which members of the UR4Africa board from Nigeria and the United States were introduced. Guests also welcomed the organisation’s founder and visionary, Shola Ajayi, whose work through Public Art Africa focuses on youth development, storytelling, creativity, and cultural exchange.
Adding a fashion-forward element to the programme, models showcased designs inspired by African Futurism, highlighting the intersection of style and artistic expression.
The audience was later treated to energetic dance and drama performances, further underscoring the event’s celebration of artistic diversity and storytelling through multiple creative forms.
In her remarks, founder and CEO of UR4Africa, Shola Ajayi, outlined the vision behind the initiative, stressing the importance of access and opportunity for young Africans.
“The reason for this effort is the right of Africans; the right to imagine, the right to create,” she said.
Ajayi added that the organisation remains committed to ensuring that talent is not lost due to lack of opportunity.
“Young people deserve more exposure. Talent is everywhere, potential is everywhere, but opportunity is not,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to board members, volunteers, mentors, and supporters who have contributed to the organisation’s growth over the years.
Founded as a platform connecting Africans and the African Diaspora through storytelling, education, creativity, and cultural exchange, the initiative has spent over a decade implementing programmes focused on mentorship, arts education, and leadership development.
Alumni of the programme also shared testimonies about their experiences, noting that many joined while still in secondary school and were given opportunities to develop and showcase their talents.
After the closing remarks, guests were invited to view the artworks on display at the exhibition.
The exhibition continues today with artworks available for viewing and purchase.