Virtual Art Gallery Exhibitions

The First Step
Lagos, Nigeria
June 17 – July 2, 2023

African Female artists mentorship Program is thrilled to present an upcoming exhibition ‘The First Step’ featuring a diverse group of emerging contemporary female artists. The African Female Artists Mentorship Program, grounded in a commitment to providing a supportive platform, offers valuable insight and essential skills and knowledge on the creative industries for upcoming artists. Through this program, artists can make informed decisions for their practice and set themselves on a trajectory that will lead to success. The program offers a space where artists can learn about the expectations, criteria, and collection practices within different museums and galleries, engage with curators and professional artists, and understand the current discourse on African art. Participating in this mentorship program will give the mentees the necessary tools to approach gallery spaces, plan financially, price their works, and document their practice for historical representation. The goal is to equip artists with the confidence to pursue their dreams, whether it’s furthering their education, seeking employment, initiating projects, or opening their practices. This program is designed to aid the thinking and development of upcoming artists, ultimately leading them to a more secure, equipped, and successful future in the creative industries.

We Believe You
A Virtual Group Art Exhibition
November 18 – December 8, 2020

We proudly present ‘We Believe You’, a virtual juried art exhibition curated by the Girl Child Art Foundation. This exhibition showcases the ideas and struggles of survivors of sexual and workplace harassment and stories of SGBV from the perspective of women and girls in Nigeria. Through the artistic expression of 25 young women and girls, visitors are invited to hear their stories and gain a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding sexual violence against women and girls. With the help of a jury, we have selected 40 artworks to be featured in this exhibition. The impact of this exhibition has been significant, with direct beneficiaries totalling 141 individuals and indirect beneficiaries reaching over 1 million people through social media campaigns and website visits. Join us in supporting the voices of young women and girls as they speak out against sexual violence and advocate for change.”

Exhibiting Artists: Bardi Tosobuafo Matilda, Grace Tolulope Ojo, Janet Adebayo Adenike, Beratha Onyekachi, Eze Mariagoretti Chinenye, Judith Yahaya, Laju Sholola, Taiye Erewele, Mary Funmilola Onidare, Ogochukwu Ejiofor, Ene Jessicah Yaknoabasi, Blessing Ejiro Fenegal, Orinya Gloria Ebere, Bamikole Blessing, Funmi Arabami, Lumie_arts, Owolabi Phoebe, Ola Mercy, Gavar Nguseer, Angela Fremont, Owolabi Esther, Damilola Olusegun, Ify C Atuchiejina, Morakinyo Funmilayo. We received about 140 more than the expected number, though we encouraged the applicants that were not selected to apply in our next project.

Jury: Ms Udenta Omoh, Mr Kelani Abass, and Mr Ibe Ananaba

Voice of a Nigeria Girl (VONG)
A Group Art Exhibition for Nigerian
National Museum and Monuments, Enugu, Nigeria
October 25 – November 14, 2003

The VONG project is a comprehensive initiative to empower Nigerian girls through different art forms, including visual, performing, and literary expressions. The program addresses various aspects of the life of an average Nigerian girl and promotes girl child education, environmental cleanliness, and HIV/AIDS awareness among youth. The GCAF believes that creative and imaginative individuals drive the world forward. Through activities like art exhibitions and competitions, the project encourages girls to contribute positively to society’s development.

The VONG project was launched in Enugu by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani, and other dignitaries, including Prof. J.O. Irukwu (SAN), a patron of GCAF, and representatives from 17 schools. Several esteemed guests were also in attendance, including Barr. Mrs Anyaegbunam, Curator of the Museum; Mrs Ogho Igbinedion-General Manager NTA Enugu; Mrs Victoria. C Onyejike-Principal SGS Awka; Michel Saint Lot of UNICEF Enugu and family; Honorable Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Afam Nnaji, and several commissioners from different sectors. Also present were teachers, professional artists, and media practitioners.

Artist Adaobi Onyejike, in her speech, highlighted the past and present projects undertaken by the foundation, the growth and development of the girl child today, and the future of women and female artists. She explained that the project focuses on the girl child because they are the most vulnerable to societal ills. They are expected to stay at home for house chores. At the same time, boys go out to play, girls drop out of school for boys when there is no money, are easy victims of rape, and grow up with the idea of being inferior to boys, leading to a lack of self-esteem and confidence to take up challenges. Therefore, engaging Nigerian girls in worthwhile activities that can harness their youthful energy and imagination for significant self-empowerment is crucial.

The VONG project provides the girl child with a platform to express her opinions on the environment, including her feelings towards her family, the government, her schools, and her health and hygiene. The exhibition featured 306 works of art, including paintings, drawings, poster designs, and crafts, from members of GCAF and girls from Enugu and Anambra states.